Hiller, Ferdinand. (1811 - 1885) [Rossini, Gioacchino. (1792-1868)]
"Fugue on a Subject by Rossini" - Autograph Musical Quotation
Interesting AMQS of a short fugue penned by the influential German conductor and composer, mounted together with a reproduction photograph. The fugue, "Sopra un soggetto di fuga da Rossini" for three voices, begins with the whimsical chromatic subject in the bass and a countersubject above, continues through a complete statement of the subject in a third voice, and then comes to a sudden (but harmonically logical) conclusion after twelve measures - clearly demonstrating Hiller's tremendous compositional skill, while paying hommage to a composer with whom he was closely associated. He has signed below and dated Colonia [Cologne], June 3, 1858. Mounted together with the AMQS is a small reproduction photograph portrait of the composer. Heavy toning and some creases and spots of damage, but very legible and overall in very good condition. AMQS 7 x 6 inches (18.1 x 15.5 cm); photograph 2.75 x 4 inches (6.7 x 10 cm); total size 8.25 x 11.75 inches (20.9 x 29.6 cm).Perhaps best remembered today as the dedicatee of Schumann's Piano Concerto and Chopin's Nocturnes, op. 15, Hiller was an extremely important figure in the musical world of nineteenth-century Germany. During his long career, he conducted the orchestras of Leipzig, Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Dresden, founded the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne, composed six operas, three piano concertos, four symphonies, and a large body of chamber music, and taught pupils such as Max Bruch (whom he introduced to the melody of the Kol Nidrei, as he was Jewish). He was also an important lecturer and writer. Hiller had been encouraged by Rossini in his earlier years and they met again in Normandy in 1855. His close musical associates also included Mendelssohn, whom he met when they were both boys, Schumann, Schubert, and Wagner, with whom he worked closely in Dresden. (13636)
AMQS Classical Music