Adolf Schulz-Evler

Fascinating Works by Adolf Schulz-Evler

Adolf Andrey Schulz-Evler (1852–1905) was a Polish-born composer and pianist, best known for his virtuosic piano transcriptions—most famously, his dazzling Arabesques on "An der schönen blauen Donau" (Blue Danube Waltz) by Johann Strauss II. Born in Radom, Poland (then part of the Russian Empire), Schulz-Evler studied at the Warsaw Conservatory and under Carl Tausig in Berlin, later teaching at the Kharkiv Music School from 1884 to 1904.

Mystery and enchantment fill the air as Piers Lane embarks on a journey through the fascinating works of Adolf Schulz-Evler. Famed for his lively transcriptions of Johann Strauss works, Schulz-Evler’s music possesses an inimitable charm that engrosses listeners instantly. Piers Lane, an international pianist renowned for his great insight and virtuosity, brings Schulz-Evler's compositions to life in a way that fascinates and captivates his audience at every performance.

Virtuoso Johann Strauss Transcriptions for Piano

Schulz-Evler’s most enduring legacy is his Arabesques on "An der schönen blauen Donau," a piano transcription that transforms Strauss II’s famous waltz into a sparkling technical showpiece. The work is celebrated for its bravura, imaginative ornamentation, and demand for dexterity, finding favor among pianists seeking both challenge and audience delight.

This transcription has become a favorite among virtuoso pianists and has been interpreted by artists such as Jorge Bolet, Marc-André Hamelin, Earl Wild, Benjamin Grosvenor, and—most famously—Josef Lhévinne, whose recordings have become legendary.

Though Schulz-Evler composed approximately 52 works, the majority are now largely forgotten and seldom performed. His reputation today rests almost entirely on his Blue Danube transcription.

Notable Recordings and Performers

Piers Lane, whose performance history and discography include Schulz-Evler’s renowned transcription, is one of the prominent interpreters of his works. Other notable performers include Jorge Bolet, Jan Smeterlin, Marc-André Hamelin, Earl Wild, Leonard Pennario, Byron Janis, Isador Goodman, and Benjamin Grosvenor.

This performance at STAGE+ is made even more exhilarating as the pieces from Moszkowski: Piano Concerto, Op. 3 are featured as a part of the Hyperion Romantic Piano Concerto series. The immersive piano concertos inspire a profound connection to the era of romanticism that is bound to strike a chord in every listener's heart.

Apart from exploring the beauty of Schulz-Evler’s works and Moszkowski's Piano Concerto, Piers Lane also pays tribute to other virtuosos with Ludmil Angelov, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Vladimir Kiradjiev staging a soul-stirring performance of Johann Strauss Transcriptions for Piano.

Legacy

Despite a relatively small and now mostly obscure oeuvre, Schulz-Evler’s Blue Danube Arabesques remain a glittering example of late-Romantic piano virtuosity, regularly featured in concert programs and recordings by top-tier pianists.

Rediscover the beauty of romantic-era compositions with STAGE+, dive deep into music history, and lose yourself in the captivating performances of these celebrated musicians for an unforgettable musical experience that delicately balances historical eminence with modern brilliance.