Composer

:

Maurice Ohana

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude

Compose Date

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1972 - 1973

Maurice Ohana's "Preludes (24)" is a collection of 24 short pieces for solo guitar, composed between 1959 and 1962. The work was premiered by the Spanish guitarist Narciso Yepes in 1963. The 24 preludes are divided into two books of 12 each, and each prelude is characterized by its own unique mood and style. The pieces range in length from under a minute to just over three minutes, and they explore a wide range of techniques and textures on the guitar. The first book of preludes is generally more introspective and contemplative, with a focus on delicate arpeggios and intricate fingerpicking patterns. The second book is more energetic and virtuosic, with faster tempos and more complex rhythms. Throughout the work, Ohana makes use of a variety of extended techniques on the guitar, including harmonics, glissandos, and percussive effects. He also incorporates elements of Spanish and flamenco music, as well as influences from the music of India and the Middle East. Despite the diversity of styles and techniques on display in "Preludes (24)", the work is unified by Ohana's distinctive harmonic language, which often features dense clusters of dissonant chords and unconventional progressions. The result is a challenging and rewarding work that showcases the full range of the guitar's expressive capabilities.

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