Composer

:

César Franck

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1878

Publication Date

:

1885

Average_duration

:

26:53

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

César Franck's 'Pieces (3), M. 35-37' is a set of three pieces for solo piano, composed in 1885. The set was premiered on January 22, 1886, by the composer himself at the Salle Pleyel in Paris. The first piece, titled 'Fantaisie in A major', is a lyrical and expressive work that showcases Franck's mastery of harmony and counterpoint. The piece begins with a gentle and flowing melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple arpeggio in the left. As the piece progresses, the melody becomes more complex and ornate, weaving in and out of the accompaniment in a series of intricate and beautiful harmonies. The middle section of the piece features a more dramatic and intense melody, before returning to the opening theme for a gentle and peaceful conclusion. The second piece, titled 'Fugue in A minor', is a more complex and challenging work that demonstrates Franck's skill as a contrapuntist. The piece begins with a simple and austere theme in the right hand, which is then taken up by the left hand in a series of imitative entries. As the piece progresses, the theme is developed and transformed in a series of intricate and complex variations, building to a powerful and dramatic climax before returning to the opening theme for a peaceful and contemplative conclusion. The final piece, titled 'Prelude, Chorale and Fugue', is perhaps the most famous of the set, and is considered one of Franck's greatest works for solo piano. The piece begins with a gentle and flowing prelude, featuring a simple and beautiful melody that is gradually developed and transformed over the course of the movement. The middle section of the piece features a majestic and powerful chorale, which is followed by a complex and challenging fugue that showcases Franck's mastery of counterpoint. The fugue builds to a powerful and dramatic climax before returning to the opening prelude for a peaceful and contemplative conclusion. Overall, 'Pieces (3), M. 35-37' is a masterful set of works that showcases Franck's skill as a composer and pianist. The set is characterized by its intricate and beautiful harmonies, complex counterpoint, and expressive melodies, and is considered one of the great works of the Romantic piano repertoire.

More....