Philipp Scharwenka "Philipp Scharwenka bestowed a great number of works on the music world. Especially the Chamber works of his last twenty years - the Violin Sonatas, Trios, String Quartets, the Piano Quintet - belong to the formally most perfect and tonally most beautiful works of their genre ". ~ Hugo Leichtentritt Musicologist & Composer ___________ Poznan Philipp and Xaver Scharwenka were the most beloved accomplished musicians of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Among the famous composers, pianists or conductors who admired their work and performed their music were Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, Brahms, Busoni and Richter. Philipp Scharwenka (1847-1917) was one of the last Genius German romantic composers after Schumann and Mendelssohn. He was also a talented pianist and a highly respected teacher. His younger brother Xaver Scharwenka (1850-1924) was a wonderful pianist and composer as well. Both were born in the village of Samter, near Posen (now Poznan). In 1919, the province became part of Poland. In 1858, the Scharwenka's family decided to move to Posen where the two young boys received a solid education. Moving again in 1865, they went to Berlin. Encouraged by their father, the two gifted boys entered the famous New Academy of Music (Neue Akademie der Tonkunst) founded by the highly respected pianist Theodor Kullak. Xaver focused on his piano's technique and virtuosity. He also learned composition. Philipp studied composition with Richard Wuerst and Heinrich Dorn. In less than three years, Philipp achieved his studies. In 1869, he was appointed Music Theory instructor. His first compositions were published and premiered in 1874. Philipp & Xaver Scharwenka When the Kullak School declined in 1880, Xaver decided to found his own Music School. With his brother, he opened the Conservatory of Berlin which became very successful. Philipp was in charge of the composition and music theory departments. He maintained his position for the rest of his life. Among his famous pupils were Otto Klemperer and Oskar Fried. He also directed the institution with his brother. The same year, he married the acclaimed violinist Marianne Stresow. She also joined the Conservatory where she taught violin. Later, the Conservatory merged with the famous Karl Klindworth's music school. The new entity became the Klindworth-Scharwenka Conservatory of Music and the most prestigious music institution of Berlin. With his outstanding reputation, Philipp Scharwenka was elected to the Royal Academy of the Arts and made a member of its senate. During his career, the composer wrote an impressive repertoire of more than one hundred twenty pieces including an Opera, Symphonies and orchestral works, concertos, piano and chamber music pieces. His scores were always acclaimed by the public and critics. During the 37th Composer-Congress, he received the German Music Society Prize for his "Dramatic Fantasy for Orchestra". Max Reger was one of his biggest admirers. In 1891, the great success of the Conservatory incited Xaver to visit the United States where he founded and opened the Scharwenka Conservatory of New York. His debuts at the Metropolitan Opera House were very successful. The piano virtuoso and composer performed Beethoven's Fifth Piano Concerto and one of his own Piano Concertos. His American success incited Xaver to relocate to New York. Introduced to the most famous circles of America, the acclaimed pianist was praised for the beauty of his tone. Xaver Scharwenka became one of the best interpreters of Chopin. Invited by the White House, he performed for President Theodore Roosevelt. Philipp visited his brother in New York for a short time. During his journey, several of his compositions were also performed including some of his orchestral pieces. They were directed by two very famous conductors Anton Seidl and Arthur Nikisch. Xaver Scharwenka In 1910, Philipp composed his wonderful *Piano Quintet in B minor Op 118. The romantic score was structured in three movements. The score was praised for its rich textures and harmonies, the superb melodies and the creative rhythmic. Most of the themes were introduced at the piano. The composer wrote several codas, giving to his score the allures of a Piano Concerto. Full of passion, tenderness and refinement, the second movement sounds like a wonderful declaration of love. Philipp Scharwenka dedicated his piece to Max Reger. *This piece will be performed on November 12th. Xaver Scharwenka Leaving America in 1898, Xaver moved back to Berlin. A wonderful composer, the Master wrote an impressive repertoire including an Opera, a Symphony, four Piano Concertos, Chamber Music and Piano pieces. Among his most famous pieces were his Polish Dances and his Piano Concertos. Dedicated to Franz Liszt, his first Concerto was performed by Liszt himself in Berlin. The challenging piece was also played in Vienna by Gustav Mahler. A fervent admirer of Xaver Scharwenka's work, Mahler conducted the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in one of his Piano Concertos. Berlin The outbreak of war forced Xaver Scharwenka to retire from the international stages in 1914. For forty years, the Master received numerous decorations and honors from all around the globe . His stellar career was over. After the death of his beloved brother Philipp in 1917, Xaver Scharwenka stayed in Berlin. Seven years later, the composer passed away in December 1924. During their lifetime, the exceptional talents of Philipp and Xaver Scharwenka were recognized and celebrated. A lot of composers fall in and out of fashion after their death. Today, Philipp and Xaver Scharwenka -- two Genius romantic Masters -- are totally neglected and almost forgotten. Their wonderful inspired repertoire, their strong dedication to music education deserve large recognition and acclaims. "SCHARWENKA, THE BEAUTY OF THE LOST ROMANTICS" On Sunday November 12, at 4:00 " LE SALON DE MUSIQUES - MASTERS REDISCOVERED" invites you to celebrate three German Romantic Masters, Robert Schumann Xaver Scharwenka Philipp Scharwenka In an intimate setting, without any stage or separation between the audience and the artists, feel the essence of Chamber Music and immerse yourself in the "Heart of the Art" to become one with the Music. A French Champagne reception with a High Tea Gourmet Buffet catered by Patina follows the performance and the Q & A between the Artists and the audience. ________________ ________________ Introduced by Musicologist Julius Reder Carlson, the exquisite Program for Strings and Piano will be performed by five Virtuosos consisting of Ambroise AUBRUN, Violin Chiai TAJIMA, Violin Tanner MENEES, Viola Timothy LANDAUER, Cello Francois CHOUCHAN, Piano PROGRAM Philipp SCHARWENKA Piano Quintet in B minor Op 118 Xaver SCHARWENKA "Serenade" for Violin & Piano Op 70 Robert SCHUMANN Piano Quintet in E Flat Major Op 44 Sponsored by Steinway & Sons, The French & German Consulates of Los Angeles, Cave to Cellar, Performing Arts Live, Eufloria. ___________________ LIMITED SEATING! T O RESERVE YOUR TICKET, CLICK ON: LeSalondeMusiques.com or Call (310) 498-0257 Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Fifth Floor, 135 N. Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Self parking at the Music Center Garage on Grand Avenue) * Tickets: Student: $45 - Regular: $85 *(Including French Champagne & High Tea Gourmet Buffet catered by Patina). ____________________ Philipp Scharwenka Piano Quintet in B minor Op 118 (This piece will be performed on November 12) __________________ CRITICS HAVE SPOKEN! "Le Salon de Musiques is a unique event in Los Angeles, a feast for the senses where you can hear beautiful Chamber Music in an intimate setting (the way it was meant to be heard) and then talk with the performers while enjoying French Champagne and a gourmet high tea buffet catered by Patina." ~ Henry SCHLINGER - Culture Spot LA ________________________________ "A success in every sense of the word for the performances and the thoughtful musical curating by Le Salon de Musiques' Artistic Director Francois Chouchan!" ~ Ted AYALA - Crescent Valley Weekly ________________________________________________ "Artistic Director Francois CHOUCHAN, with his keen sense of programming and recruitment of inspired Artists, has created a real Gem among the Los Angeles Chamber Music experiences." ~ Theodore BELL - Culture Spot LA ________________________________ "Following the final moments closing on a tremendous chord, the audience rose to their feet, shouting well-deserved bravos. For this reviewer, this group of artists and the music selected created an exceptionally cohesive musical program, once again proving that Francois Chouchan's Le Salon de Musiques is truly an exceptional Chamber Music Series in Los Angeles." ~ Ahhda SHUR - Examiner.com ___________________ Dorothy Chandler Pavilion l 5th Floor 135 N. Grand Avenue l Los Angeles, CA 90012 .