Composer

:

Louis Vierne

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1931

Average_duration

:

16:52

The 'Ballade du désespéré, Op. 61' is a solo piano composition by French composer Louis Vierne. It was composed in 1914 and premiered the same year in Paris. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. The first movement, marked "Lent et douloureux" (slow and painful), begins with a mournful melody in the left hand accompanied by sparse chords in the right hand. The melody gradually builds in intensity, with the right hand taking on a more prominent role. The movement reaches a climax before subsiding into a quiet, introspective coda. The second movement, marked "Assez lent" (quite slow), is a stark contrast to the first. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the right hand accompanied by a simple, repetitive pattern in the left hand. The melody is passed between the hands, with the left hand taking on a more complex role as the movement progresses. The movement ends quietly, with the melody fading away. The final movement, marked "Vif et passionné" (lively and passionate), is the most technically demanding of the three. It begins with a fast, virtuosic passage in the right hand accompanied by a driving rhythm in the left hand. The movement is characterized by its intense energy and frequent changes in tempo and dynamics. It ends with a triumphant flourish. Overall, the 'Ballade du désespéré, Op. 61' is a deeply emotional and expressive work. It showcases Vierne's skill as a composer and pianist, with its complex harmonies, intricate melodies, and demanding technical passages. The piece is often considered one of Vierne's most significant contributions to the solo piano repertoire.

More....