Schubert, F :: Variationen uber 'Trockne Blumen' D. 802 (Introduction and Variations op. 160)

Variationen uber 'Trockne Blumen' D. 802 (Introduction and Variations op. 160)

Schubert, F

Since there is hardly a doubt that Schubert s Variations hold the foremost rank among all Romantic flute compositions, it is not at all surprising that numerous editors have concerned themselves with this extraordinary work. This publication is a performing edition based on the Urtext of the Neue Schubert-Ausgabe, Series VI, Volume 8, edited by Helmut Wirth.

Although the autograph still exists (Vienna, Stadtund Landesbibliothek, MH 2035/c) and despite the fact that it is thoroughly marked by Schubert, many questions arise concerning various readings of the text, especially those regarding dynamic marks and articulation. For the extent of the alterations made by the editor and the reasons for his decisions, see Werner Aderhold s Quellen und Lesarten and the Kritischer Bericht to Series VI, Volume 8 of the Neue Schubert-Ausgabe.

Moreover, with this publication a performing edition of the first, discarded version of Variation V has been made available for the first time. Schubert s broad strokes indicate his determination to eliminate the piece once and for all; yet, the work not only allows insight into Schubert s compositional approach, but may also prove useful as an etude and through its playability and unplayability give hints about the tempo Andantino demanded by the composer in Variations I VI.

This Barenreiter Urtext edition for flute and piano includes suggestions for performance by Andras Adorjan as well as a historical introduction.