Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

Nov 27, 1836 - Jan 3, 1837

Publication Date

:

1837

Average_duration

:

3:42

Felix Mendelssohn composed his Prelude & Fugue for piano in B flat major, Op. 35/6 in 1837. The piece was premiered by the composer himself in Leipzig on January 24, 1838. The Prelude is marked Allegretto con moto and begins with a lively and playful melody in the right hand, accompanied by a steady left-hand rhythm. The melody is then repeated in the left hand, while the right hand plays a more intricate counterpoint. The piece continues to alternate between these two themes, with occasional flourishes and runs, before coming to a gentle close. The Fugue, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a more complex and challenging piece. It begins with a bold and assertive theme in the right hand, which is then echoed and developed in the left hand. The theme is then passed between the hands, with each iteration becoming more elaborate and intricate. The middle section of the fugue features a new theme, which is introduced quietly in the left hand before building to a dramatic climax. The piece then returns to the original theme, which is played with even greater intensity and virtuosity before coming to a triumphant close. Overall, Mendelssohn's Prelude & Fugue for piano in B flat major, Op. 35/6 is a masterful example of the composer's skill in writing for the piano. The Prelude is light and playful, while the Fugue is complex and challenging, showcasing Mendelssohn's ability to write music that is both technically demanding and musically satisfying. The piece is a testament to Mendelssohn's enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era.

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