Joseph Böhm, a key figure in the 'Viennese school of violin playing,' was the first violin teacher at the Conservatory of the Society of the Friends of Music of the Austrian Empire, and his students included Georg Hellmesberger, Joseph Joachim, and Jakob Dont.
Historical Context
The composers on this album—Joseph Mayseder, Leopold Jansa, Joseph Böhm, Georg Hellmesberger, Franz Grutsch, and Jakob Dont—were all outstanding violinists who significantly influenced Viennese musical life between 1820 and 1869.
Recording & Production
The sheet music for the world premiere recordings on this album was produced from historical sources found in the archive of the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde in Vienna.
Composer's Artistic Vision
A key characteristic of the 'Viennese school of violin playing' was a combination of chamber music and orchestral playing, rather than exclusive solo performance.
Historical Context
The 'Viennese school of violin playing' was influenced by visiting violinists from Italy, France, and Germany, as well as Austrian dance forms by composers like Haydn, Mozart, and Schubert.
Compositional Technique
The study of duets for two violins was extensively cultivated in Joseph Böhm's teaching, as it greatly fostered and stabilized intonation while also developing musical security and adroitness in ensemble playing.
Compositional Technique
The 'Viennese school of violin playing' was known for its supple bowing, faultless tone production, virtuosic fingerboard mastery, sparkling rhythm, taut accents, and natural warmth of expression.
