Composer

:

Leopold Godowsky

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Etude

Average_duration

:

1:58

Leopold Godowsky's "Etude Macabre" is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1916. The piece was premiered in the same year in New York City. It is a part of Godowsky's "Triakontameron," which is a collection of 30 pieces for solo piano. "Etude Macabre" is a haunting and eerie piece that is characterized by its dissonant harmonies and unconventional use of the piano. The piece is in the key of C minor and is marked "Allegro con fuoco" (fast and fiery). The piece is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own unique character. The first section of the piece is marked "Lugubre" (mournful) and is characterized by its slow, mournful melody. The melody is played in the left hand while the right hand plays a series of dissonant chords. The section builds in intensity until it reaches a climax, after which it fades away into the second section. The second section of the piece is marked "Scherzando" (playful) and is characterized by its fast, playful melody. The melody is played in the right hand while the left hand plays a series of fast, arpeggiated chords. The section builds in intensity until it reaches a climax, after which it fades away into the third section. The third section of the piece is marked "Misterioso" (mysterious) and is characterized by its eerie, mysterious melody. The melody is played in the left hand while the right hand plays a series of dissonant chords. The section builds in intensity until it reaches a climax, after which it fades away into the coda. The coda of the piece is marked "Lugubre" (mournful) and is a reprise of the first section. The melody is played in the left hand while the right hand plays a series of dissonant chords. The section builds in intensity until it reaches a final climax, after which it fades away into silence. Overall, "Etude Macabre" is a haunting and eerie piece that showcases Godowsky's unique approach to the piano. The piece is characterized by its dissonant harmonies, unconventional use of the piano, and three distinct sections that each have their own unique character.

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