Rezension: “Grande Polonaise”, “Rondo brillante” und 7 Variationen über ein “Zigeunerlied” von Carl Maria von Weber

• 1. Introduction and Polonaise for the Piano-Forte, composed by C. M. de Weber. (Cocks & Co. Princes-street, Hanover-square.)
• 2. Rondeau Brilliant, for the Piano-Forte, composed by the same. Op. 62. (Banister, 109, Goswell-street.)
• 3. Variations on a Gypsey Air, for the Piano-Forte, by the same. Op. 55. (Cocks & Co.)

The first of these is a masterly composition, full of the vigour and animation that are discernible in almost all M. de Weber’s works. The introduction, a tremando, in e flat minor, is in his very awful manner, and extremely well conceived. It is short and thoroughly effective. The Polonaise, in e flat major, is remarkably brilliant and exciting; the subject of it, which is in a peculiar style, being too long for insertion here, we shall print amongst the music in our next number. This is conducted through a variety of extreme modulations with great ability; though it seems to us that, at page 5, first bar, it ought, for the sake of ease and order, to have passed into g flat major, rather than f sharp major. Towards the end is a passage for the left hand, in the old, but now reviving style, that produces a charming effect. The first chord in the base, page 2, should have e for its upper note, instead of g; it is apparently an engraver’s error. To superior players, provided they have a taste for good music, we recommend this piece. It should not be attempted by ordinary practitioners.

Much of what we have said concerning the foregoing work, will apply to the Rondeau Brilliant, – though the latter has not a motivo so likely to be generally admired, and is more difficult to execute well than the former. The subject, however, when well understood, is extremely sportive and exhilarating, and the whole Rondeau abounds in passages good in themselves, and particularly so as practice for first-rate amateurs.

No. 3, is very simple, and rather a pretty air. – What Gypsey music is, we cannot exactly tell, therefore we are not empowered to say if this be strictly national, or in character. The melody itself comprises nearly sixteen bars; and six short, but not very easy, variations are added to it; the whole consisting of only five pages.