Composer

:

Mily Balakirev

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1852

Average_duration

:

18:25

Mily Balakirev's 'Grand Fantaisie on Russian Folksongs, Op. 4' is a piano composition that was composed in 1852. The piece was premiered in the same year by Balakirev himself. The composition consists of four movements, each of which is based on a different Russian folk song. The first movement, marked Allegro, is based on the folk song 'The Little Birch Tree'. The movement begins with a lively and energetic theme that is played in the right hand. The left hand provides a steady accompaniment that is reminiscent of the sound of a Russian balalaika. The movement features several variations on the main theme, including a slower and more lyrical section that is played in the middle of the movement. The second movement, marked Andante, is based on the folk song 'The Linden Tree'. This movement is much slower and more contemplative than the first. The melody is played in the right hand, while the left hand provides a gentle accompaniment. The movement features several variations on the main theme, including a section that is played in a minor key. The third movement, marked Allegro molto, is based on the folk song 'The Shepherdess'. This movement is the most lively and energetic of the four. The main theme is played in the right hand, while the left hand provides a driving accompaniment. The movement features several variations on the main theme, including a section that is played in a faster tempo. The fourth and final movement, marked Allegro risoluto, is based on the folk song 'The Peasant'. This movement is the most complex and challenging of the four. The main theme is played in the right hand, while the left hand provides a complex and intricate accompaniment. The movement features several variations on the main theme, including a section that is played in a faster tempo. Overall, Balakirev's 'Grand Fantaisie on Russian Folksongs, Op. 4' is a challenging and complex piano composition that showcases the composer's skill and mastery of the piano. The piece is notable for its use of Russian folk songs as source material, which gives the composition a distinctly Russian flavor.

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