Franz Schubert was one of the most prolific composers of ensemble piano music, and these two marches demonstrate his mastery at writing for one piano, four hands. The Two Characteristic Marches, Op. 121, were composed in 1826 and are the only marches that Schubert wrote for piano duet that are in 6/8 meter. Both marches are in C major and are scherzo-like in mood, revealing Schubert's fondness for sudden dynamic changes, his musical wit, and his fine melodic writing.

Since the 1981 publication of the first edition, Cameron McGraw's Piano Duet Repertoire has been a trusted guide for duet performers. This second edition, edited and substantially expanded by Christopher and Katherine Fisher, brings the volume into the 21st century, adding over 500 new or updated composer entries and nearly 1,000 new work entries to the volume, a testament to the renewed interest in piano duet playing. Entries are arranged alphabetically by composer and include both pedagogical and concert repertoire. The annotations and the grade-level indications provide piano teachers a wealth of instructional guidance. The book also contains updated appendices listing collections and duet works with voice and other instruments. This new edition features a title index and a list of composers by nationality, making it a convenient and indispensable resource.

Franz Schubert's piano pieces for four hands are among the most varied and significant works in the entire repertoire. Schubert wrote more of these works than any other major composer, and generations of teachers, students, and concert musicians have enjoyed their enduring beauty and vitality. Included in this volume are 15 of Schubert's best and most popular titles, taken from the definitive Breitkopf and Hartel "Schubert-Gesammtausgabe." Composed between 1818 and 1828, they include the tremendously popular Military Marches, Op. 51 (of which the D Major is a striking and familiar melody); the famed "Grand Duo" Sonata in C Major, Op. 140; the Fantasia in F Minor, Op. 103 (written only a few months before Schubert's death, it is one of the most famous and elegantly expressive works in the genre); Variations in A-flat Major on an Original Theme, Op. 35; Andantino Varie in B Minor on French Motifs, Op. 84, No. 1; Fugue in E Minor, Op. 152; and a delightful array of landler, polonaises, and variations. The 23 separate pieces have been selected so that pianists of virtually any level can find works to match their needs. They range in difficulty from beautifully sculpted marches that beginners can play, to works requiring maturity and great technical skill. This volume has been specially designed as a playing edition. The noteheads are large and easily readable at the piano, and wide margins allow plenty of room for written notes, fingerings, analysis, etc. Of special importance is the addition of measure numbers, placed on alternate staves, which allow the pianists to find their place quickly while rehearsing. For playing, study, or simply listening along with records, this volume will be an admirable addition to your music library."

This sonata for two pianos, four hands was written in 1781 for performance by Mozart and Josephine von Aurnhammer, one of his finest students. The first and third movements are fast and brilliant, contrasted by a gently flowing second movement. This edition includes editorial fingering and performance suggestions.

Marching to the Canon examines the history of Schubert's Marche militaire no.1 from its beginnings, through its many arrangements, to its impact on dance, literature, film, and music. Marche militaire is Franz Schubert's most recognizable and beloved instrumental work. Originally published for piano four hands in 1826, this tuneful march -- Schubert's first of three military marches -- was arranged, adapted, and incorporated into new incarnations over the next two centuries. Its success was due to its chameleonlike ability to cross the still-porous borders between canonic and popular repertories, creating a performance life thatmade deep inroads into dance, literature, and film, and inspired quotations or allusions in other music Marching to the Canon examines the history of Schubert's storied Marche militaire from its modest beginnings as aduet published for domestic consumption to its now-ubiquitous presence. After detailing the composition, publication, and reception of the original march, the book analyzes the impact of transcriptions and arrangements for solo piano, orchestra, band, and other settings. In addition, it considers the ways the march was used symbolically, even manipulated, during the Franco-Prussian War and the two world wars, as well as the diverse creative uses of the piece by significant figures as varied as Willa Cather, Isadora Duncan, Walt Disney, and Igor Stravinsky. This study of the reception and impact of the Marche militaire offers a unique narrative illuminating the world that enshrined this remarkable score as one of the most memorable musical works of the nineteenth century. Scott Messing is the Charles A. Dana Professor of Music at Alma College, and the author of two works available from theUniversity of Rochester Press: Neoclassicism in Music and the two-volume Schubert in the European Imagination.

A thorough overview and history of chamber music

This text is a critical and historical guide to more than 70 works by Schubert.