A Stylistic and Performance Analysis of Concert Arabesques, Opus 12 by Henryk (Adolf Andrei) Schulz-Evler

Abstract

This document provides a comprehensive compositional and performance analysis of Henryk (Adolf/ Andrei) Schulz-Evler’s (1852-1905) solo piano composition, Concert Arabesques, Op. 12. The piece is an arrangement, transcription, and paraphrase of Johann Strauss II’s An der schönen blauen Donau, Op. 314 (By The Beautiful Blue Danube Waltz). This study also highlights Schulz-Evler’s contributions as a composer and pianist and presents a brief overview of his selected solo piano compositions.

Chapter 1 outlines the purpose, need, organization, and limitations of the study, and presents a review of related literature. Chapter 2 provides a biographical sketch of Schulz-Evler, emphasizing his influence on the musical culture of Kharkiv, Ukraine. Chapter 3 overviews Schulz-Evler’s selected solo piano compositions, including Daily Exercises; Variations in G Major, Op. 4; Melodie in F-sharp Major, Op. 5; Octave Etude, Op. 17; and Concert Paraphrase of Echo de la Partita based on J. S. Bach’s Echo from the French Overture BWV 831. Chapter 4 explores the historical context of the Viennese waltz and Johann Strauss II’s An der schönen blauen Donau, Op. 314, offers a historical overview of paraphrases and transcriptions, and provides a compositional overview of Schulz-Evler’s Concert Arabesques, Op. 12. Chapters 5 through 7 offer detailed compositional and performance analyses of Concert Arabesques, Op. 12. The compositional analysis focuses on the structure, texture, tonality, and thematic treatment. The performance analysis discusses the potential technical challenges of the piece and includes suggestions for practice and performance. Chapter 8 briefly summarizes Schulz-Evler’s musical contributions and recommends further research.

Henryk Schulz-Evler was a Polish virtuosic pianist, teacher, and composer whose name appears in various forms, including “Schultz,” “Szulc,” “Ewler,” and first names such as “Andrey,” “Andrzej,” and “Artur,” with “Vasilyevich” often included in Russian context. As a founding member of the piano faculty at the Kharkiv Conservatory, he dedicated nearly two decades to shaping Kharkiv’s musical culture. Schulz-Evler’s contributions include pioneering Klavier-Abends featuring programs entirely devoted to the works of a single composer and advocating for rarely performed piano repertoire. Schulz-Evler distinguished himself as a composer through a diverse range of compositions across various genres and instrumentations. His Concert Arabesques, Op. 12, highlights his ability to blend technical brilliance with musical expressiveness, showcasing his versatility and artistic depth.