Eduard Schütt
Posted: Sat May 28, 2011 5:35 am
I was inspired to create a thread for this prolific composer of beautiful piano music today after having discovered a prelude of his which I don't believe is generally well known. This prelude was contained in a 1919 Schirmer folio entitled "Romantic Preludes and Studies," edited by James Huneker. This book (imho) is one of the best compilations of obscure Romantic Piano gems which was ever printed.
To start off, of course I am indebted to Wikipedia for the following biographical information:
Eduard Schütt (Russian: Эдуард Шютт; 22 October 1856 – 26 July 1933) was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor.
Eduard Schütt was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. His father was a skilled cellist, and the family was acquainted with the pianist Anton Rubinstein. At the age of sixteen, Schütt decided to pursue an artistic career, against the opposition of his father. Rubinstein's influence ultimately convinced Schütt's father to let him pursue his artistic aspirations.[1] [2]
Schütt graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1875 with distinction. In 1876, he travelled to Leipzig and studied under Salomon Jadassohn, Ernst Friedrich Richter, and Carl Reinecke. After completing two years of study in Leipzig, he journeyed to Vienna where he commenced studies with Theodor Leschetizky. Schütt was favored by Leschetizky, and the two remained close life-long friends.[3]
During the following few years, Schütt concertized in Hungary, Austria, and Bohemia. Around 1882, he composed and premiered his first piano concerto, Op. 7, in several major European cities. From 26 January 1881 to 20 October 1887, he was conductor of the Wiener akademischer Wagner-Verein (Vienna Academic Wagner Society).[4] In 1887, he declined an invitation from Cosima Wagner to become the music director for the Bayreuth Festival. Thereafter, he devoted himself fully to composition and spent a considerable amount of his time at his villa in Meran, which he called "Mon Repos" ("My Peace" in French). His primary residence, however, remained in Vienna, where he also did a limited amount of teaching. Throughout his life, Schütt composed a wide range of works, primarily for the piano, from miniature piano pieces to piano concertos, trios, and suites. He also composed a comic opera.
I believe we have already a great deal of music by Eduard Schutt contained within the archives; either in the Russian or German composers sections. This will take some time to review, with the aim of developing a full collection of his works for the archive. Also of course IMSLP has a substantial selection of Schutt's works available.
From what I've read through of Schutt's music, I find him to be a superbly gifted melodist; perhaps not in the class of Moszkowski when considering other composers of the lighter classical vein, but certainly deserving of a place besides good Moritz, along with Grunfeld and numerous others whom we have threads devoted to.
I would like to start this thread with Schutt's Prelude in E Minor, Op. 35, No. 1....a short piece which packs a good punch. Enjoy!
Frank
To start off, of course I am indebted to Wikipedia for the following biographical information:
Eduard Schütt (Russian: Эдуард Шютт; 22 October 1856 – 26 July 1933) was a Russian composer, pianist, and conductor.
Eduard Schütt was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia. His father was a skilled cellist, and the family was acquainted with the pianist Anton Rubinstein. At the age of sixteen, Schütt decided to pursue an artistic career, against the opposition of his father. Rubinstein's influence ultimately convinced Schütt's father to let him pursue his artistic aspirations.[1] [2]
Schütt graduated from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1875 with distinction. In 1876, he travelled to Leipzig and studied under Salomon Jadassohn, Ernst Friedrich Richter, and Carl Reinecke. After completing two years of study in Leipzig, he journeyed to Vienna where he commenced studies with Theodor Leschetizky. Schütt was favored by Leschetizky, and the two remained close life-long friends.[3]
During the following few years, Schütt concertized in Hungary, Austria, and Bohemia. Around 1882, he composed and premiered his first piano concerto, Op. 7, in several major European cities. From 26 January 1881 to 20 October 1887, he was conductor of the Wiener akademischer Wagner-Verein (Vienna Academic Wagner Society).[4] In 1887, he declined an invitation from Cosima Wagner to become the music director for the Bayreuth Festival. Thereafter, he devoted himself fully to composition and spent a considerable amount of his time at his villa in Meran, which he called "Mon Repos" ("My Peace" in French). His primary residence, however, remained in Vienna, where he also did a limited amount of teaching. Throughout his life, Schütt composed a wide range of works, primarily for the piano, from miniature piano pieces to piano concertos, trios, and suites. He also composed a comic opera.
I believe we have already a great deal of music by Eduard Schutt contained within the archives; either in the Russian or German composers sections. This will take some time to review, with the aim of developing a full collection of his works for the archive. Also of course IMSLP has a substantial selection of Schutt's works available.
From what I've read through of Schutt's music, I find him to be a superbly gifted melodist; perhaps not in the class of Moszkowski when considering other composers of the lighter classical vein, but certainly deserving of a place besides good Moritz, along with Grunfeld and numerous others whom we have threads devoted to.
I would like to start this thread with Schutt's Prelude in E Minor, Op. 35, No. 1....a short piece which packs a good punch. Enjoy!
Frank