The Violin Concerto, also commissioned by Werner Gebauer, was originally started by Antheil in 1923 for violinist Olga Rudge, but he revised the sketches more than twenty years later.
Composer's Artistic Vision
George Antheil described the movements of his Sonatina as 'pretty postcards of America,' reflecting his American identity and surroundings.
Recording & Production
Duo Odéon's recording of the Violin Concerto attempts to stay as close as possible to Antheil's handwritten score, considering Gebauer's premiere performance and other scores.
Composer Biography
Werner Gebauer, the violinist, married Viola Essen, a dancer from the film 'Specter of the Rose,' after seeing her at the film's premiere.
Composer Biography
George Antheil, the composer, and Werner Gebauer, the violinist, were both musical prodigies who first gained fame in Berlin before eventually moving to Hollywood.
Composition History
The Sonatina for Violin and Piano was commissioned by Werner Gebauer, a violinist, who asked Antheil for 'something brilliant and sentimental' for his New York debut.
Compositional Technique
In the Violin Concerto, Antheil used the orchestra in a concerto grosso style, engaging in dialogue with the solo violin, and Werner Gebauer helped enrich the solo part's virtuosity.
