Georges Enescu Program Notes and Sheet Music

The Soul of Romania in Sound:
The Life and Legacy of George Enescu

George Enescu was a phenomenon, a towering figure whose prodigious talents encompassed not only composition but also violin virtuosity and conducting. He was a child prodigy who blossomed into an internationally acclaimed musician, yet his heart remained deeply rooted in the folk melodies and rhythms of his native Romania. His music is a vibrant tapestry, weaving together the passion and spontaneity of Romanian folk traditions with the sophisticated architecture of European classical music, creating a unique and unforgettable voice that continues to resonate today. He was, and remains, the very soul of Romanian music expressed in sound.

Early Life and Prodigious Talent

George Enescu was born on August 17, 1881, in the small village of Liveni-Vârnav (now George Enescu), in the Botoșani region of Romania. His extraordinary musical gifts became apparent at an astonishingly young age. By the age of four, he was already displaying an uncanny ability to play the violin, and he began composing shortly thereafter. Recognizing his exceptional talent, his parents enrolled him at the Vienna Conservatory at the age of seven, making him one of the youngest students ever admitted.

In Vienna, Enescu studied violin with Joseph Hellmesberger Jr. and composition with Robert Fuchs, both highly respected musicians. He quickly excelled, absorbing the rich musical traditions of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Even at this early stage, his innate musicality and technical brilliance on the violin were evident. After graduating with distinction in 1894, he continued his studies at the Paris Conservatoire, where he studied violin with Martin Pierre Marsick, harmony with André Gedalge, counterpoint and fugue with Jules Massenet, and composition with Gabriel Fauré. This period in Paris was crucial in shaping his artistic development, exposing him to the leading musical trends of the late 19th century. He befriended other young composers, including Maurice Ravel, and immersed himself in the vibrant artistic atmosphere of the French capital.

A Dual Career: Virtuoso and Composer

Upon completing his studies, Enescu embarked on a remarkable dual career as a concert violinist and a composer. As a violinist, he possessed a dazzling technique, a rich and expressive tone, and a profound musical understanding. He performed extensively throughout Europe, captivating audiences with his interpretations of the standard repertoire and his own virtuosic compositions. He was admired by fellow musicians, including Pablo Casals, who considered him one of the greatest musical talents of his generation.

However, Enescu’s true passion lay in composition. He began to produce a steady stream of works that showcased his distinctive musical voice. His early compositions, such as the Romanian Poem (1897) and the Two Romanian Rhapsodies (1901-1902), immediately established his connection to Romanian folk music. The Romanian Rhapsodies, in particular, with their infectious melodies, vibrant rhythms, and orchestral brilliance, became instant international successes and remain among his most popular works. They were not mere transcriptions of folk tunes, but rather sophisticated symphonic treatments that captured the very spirit and essence of Romanian musical culture.

A Mature Voice: From Symphonies to Œdipe

As Enescu matured as a composer, his musical language evolved, incorporating elements of late Romanticism and the emerging modernist trends of the early 20th century. His three symphonies are monumental works, demonstrating his mastery of orchestral form and his profound emotional depth. The First Symphony (1905) retains a lyrical Romanticism infused with Romanian color, while the Second (1914) and Third (completed in 1921, incorporating a wordless choir) reveal a more complex and introspective musical world.

Perhaps Enescu’s most ambitious and significant work is his opera Œdipe, based on the Oedipus myth. He began working on it in 1910 and dedicated over two decades to its creation, with the world premiere taking place in Paris in 1936. Œdipe is a vast and profound musical drama, exploring themes of fate, guilt, and redemption. Enescu’s score is richly textured and emotionally intense, blending dramatic vocal writing with a sophisticated orchestral palette. While not as frequently performed as his Rhapsodies, Œdipe is considered by many to be his masterpiece, a testament to his artistic vision and his ability to synthesize diverse musical influences into a cohesive and powerful whole.

Beyond Composition and Performance: Teaching and Mentorship

In addition to his prolific activities as a composer and performer, Enescu was also a dedicated and influential teacher. He believed passionately in nurturing young talent and generously shared his knowledge and experience with his students. Among his most famous pupils were the violinist Yehudi Menuhin, whom Enescu discovered at the age of seven and mentored throughout his formative years, and the pianist Dinu Lipatti, another towering figure in 20th-century music.

Enescu’s teaching philosophy emphasized not only technical mastery but also a deep understanding of musicality, interpretation, and the importance of connecting with the emotional core of the music. He instilled in his students a profound respect for musical tradition while also encouraging them to develop their own individual voices. His influence as a teacher is immeasurable, shaping the artistic development of some of the 20th century’s greatest musicians.

Later Years and Enduring Legacy

Despite spending much of his adult life in Paris, Enescu remained deeply connected to his native Romania. He frequently returned to conduct and perform, and he was a fervent advocate for Romanian musical culture. The political upheavals of World War II and the subsequent communist regime in Romania made it increasingly difficult for him to return permanently, and he spent his final years primarily in Paris, where he passed away on May 4, 1955.

George Enescu’s legacy is immense and multifaceted. He is revered as Romania's national composer, his music embodying the spirit and soul of the nation. His Romanian Rhapsodies have achieved enduring international popularity, introducing audiences worldwide to the richness of Romanian folk music. His symphonies and chamber works reveal a composer of profound intellectual and emotional depth, while his opera Œdipe stands as a monumental achievement in 20th-century music theater. Beyond his compositions, his impact as a violinist and a teacher who nurtured some of the century's greatest musical talents ensures his place as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of music. His work continues to inspire and captivate, a testament to the power of music to transcend national boundaries and speak to the universal human experience.

Section 4: References and Further Reading

• Bernard, Gavoty. George Enesco. Flammarion, 1955. (In French)

• Cosma, Viorel. George Enescu: A Chronological Survey of His Life and Work. Romanian Academy Publishing House, 2000.

• Malcolm, Noël. George Enescu: His Life and Music. Toccata Press, 1990.

• Menuhin, Yehudi. Unfinished Journey. Alfred A. Knopf, 1977.