Two Overtures in the Italian Style in D major D 592 and C major D 597 (Piano Duet)

Schubert Two Overtures in the Italian Style in D major D 592 and C major D 597 (Piano Duet)

It was due the influence of Rossini, whose operas enjoyed great popularity in Vienna, that Schubert in November 1817 wrote two orchestral overtures “in the Italy style” (D 590 und D 591).

According to Schubert’s first biographer, Heinrich Kreissle, these pieces owe their existence to a musical wager.  The composer had attended a performance of Rossini’s opera “Tancredi”, the overture of which was praised to the skies by his friends.  “Doubtless finding these laudations excessive, Schubert was roused to a spirit of contradiction and declared that he would have no difficulty writing overtures of this sort in a similar style within the briefest span of time.  His companions took him at his word and vowed, for their parts, to reward the deed with a glass of good wine.  Schubert set to work immediately and composed an overture for orchestra, followed soon thereafter by a second.  Both works came to be known by the name “Overtures in the Italian Style” and were roundly applauded in concerts during his lifetime”.

Shortly after finishing the orchestral versions Schubert arranged his two “Italian overtures” for piano four-hands.

The present edition adheres to the editorial principles set down for the “New Schubert Edition”.