Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

Mar 29, 1833 - Apr 6, 1837

Publication Date

:

1837

Average_duration

:

8:26

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn composed his Prelude & Fugue for organ in D minor, Op. 37/3 in 1837. The piece was premiered by the composer himself on the organ of St. Paul's Church in Frankfurt, Germany. The Prelude is marked "Andante con moto" and begins with a solemn and melancholic melody in the left hand, accompanied by a simple arpeggio in the right hand. The melody is then repeated in the right hand, while the left hand takes over the arpeggio. The piece gradually builds in intensity, with the melody becoming more ornate and the accompaniment becoming more complex. The Prelude ends with a powerful chord progression that leads directly into the Fugue. The Fugue is marked "Allegro moderato" and is based on a subject that is introduced in the pedal. The subject is then taken up by the manuals, with each voice entering in turn. Mendelssohn uses a variety of contrapuntal techniques, including inversion, augmentation, and diminution, to develop the subject and create a sense of tension and release. The Fugue reaches its climax with a full organ statement of the subject, followed by a virtuosic coda that brings the piece to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, Mendelssohn's Prelude & Fugue for organ in D minor, Op. 37/3 is a masterful example of the composer's skill in writing for the organ. The piece showcases his ability to create complex and intricate textures, while also maintaining a sense of clarity and balance. The Prelude and Fugue are both highly expressive and emotionally charged, making this work a favorite among organists and audiences alike.

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