JAVS Fall 2000

29

VIOLA CONCERTO IN E-FLAT MAJOR BY JOSEPH SCHUBERT

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Example 10. Schubert, Viola Concerto in Ejlat Major, III, mm. 111-20.

This final excerpt (mm. 224-27) is made entirely of double stops. While the character of the music at this point is rather buoyant, the slurs and turn provide a special challenge for the per former.

Example 11. Schubert, Viola Concerto in Ejlat Major, III, mm. 224-27.

CONCLUSION Joseph Schubert is a composer of some merit. However, violists today are familiar only with his Concerto in C Major. While it is a charming work, it is hampered by formal flaws and a sim plistic harmonic language. And while Schubert's Viola Concerto in E-flat Major will not place him as an equal with Mozart, it does reveal a mature composition of the high Classical style. It is a significant work, in terms of both length and formal structure; the accompanying orchestra is large, though used discreetly; and the solo viola part is both challenging and rewarding. While a true assessment of Joseph Schubert's works awaits further research, the modern vio list now has, in this concerto, a piece capable of standing favorably alongside similar works by Hoffmeister, the Stamitzes, and others of the Classical era. 1!: Dr. Andrew Levin is an Associate Professor ofMusic at Clemson University in South Carolina, where he is Director of Orchestral Studies and teaches Music Theory, Music Appreciation and MIDI Applications. He earned his Doctor ofArts degree in Conducting under LeonardAtherton at Ball State University, with a secondary emphasis in Viola performance. His viola teacher was Michelle LaCourse,