Zeke's Senior Recital - Kalliwoda's Morceau de Salon, Op. 228

Morceau de Salon, Op. 228 Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda (1801-1866)
Piano: AhHae Song
Notes:
The composer Johann Wenzel Kalliwoda was once very popular in his day. He was known for his great symphonic works and violin concertos to which Robert Schumann even recognized him. (In fact, Schumann dedicated his Six Intermezzi op.4 to Kalliwoda). Some critics have even considered him as the bridge between Beethoven and Schumann. His vast understanding of symphonic development along with contrapuntal skills compare to the emotional depths of Beethoven while being innovative in his day. His works are at the same caliber as some of the other more famous Romantic Era composes like Dvorak, Berlioz, and Wagner.
The words Morceau de Salon refer to a short musical composition usually written to show off the virtuoso capabilities of the player and express an emotional sentimental character. These pieces are typically based on operatic ideas and themes to paint a scene for the listener’s mind. Back in the 19th century, Salon music was played in Salons-large rooms dedicated to bringing likeminded musical individuals to share and discuss music. This was very high caliber music bringing even some of the best known composers of the era together.
In Kalliwoda’s Morceau de Salon, he features the oboe player’s technical virtuosity as well as highlighting the tenderness of the instrument. One could argue that he structures the piece to be a themes and variation composition. The piece begins with an elegant piano introduction. Right before the oboe enters, the piano plays two measures of a bouncy accompaniment part to draw the listeners attention to the soon coming oboe. This is the first theme we are introduced to. After the theme reaches its climatic moment with sixteenth notes runs, the piano transitions into the second theme. From here, Kalliwoda uses variations of these themes throughout the remainder of the piece. Towards the end you will hear the oboe return to the original theme, but it will eventually transition from the G minor key into the major key right before the finale. In the finale, the oboe goes wild with sextuplet patterns everywhere.

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