Composer

:

Jehan Alain

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1932

Publication Date

:

1987

Average_duration

:

0:52

Jehan Alain's "Complainte à la mode ancienne" is a solo organ piece that was composed in 1930. It was premiered by the composer himself on May 25, 1930, at the Église Saint-Nicolas in Maisons-Laffitte, France. The piece is part of Alain's early works and is considered one of his most popular compositions. "Complainte à la mode ancienne" is a single-movement piece that is characterized by its melancholic and mournful tone. The piece is written in the key of F minor and is marked "Lent" (slow) and "Douloureux" (painful) in the score. The piece is structured in a simple ABA form, with the A section featuring a descending melody that is repeated several times, while the B section features a more complex and dissonant melody. The piece begins with a simple and haunting melody played on the organ's flute stops. The melody is then repeated several times, with each repetition becoming more complex and dissonant. The B section features a more complex and dissonant melody that is played on the organ's reed stops. The melody is then repeated several times, with each repetition becoming more intense and dissonant. The piece ends with a return to the A section, with the simple and haunting melody played once again on the organ's flute stops. The piece ends quietly and mournfully, with the final notes fading away into silence. Overall, "Complainte à la mode ancienne" is a haunting and melancholic piece that showcases Alain's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of dissonance and its simple yet effective structure. It remains a popular piece in the organ repertoire and is often performed in recitals and concerts.

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