Composer

:

Alfredo Casella

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Ricercar

Compose Date

:

1932

Average_duration

:

6:36

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Alfredo Casella's 'Ricercari (2) on the Name B-A-C-H for piano, Op. 52' is a set of two pieces for solo piano, composed in 1929. The work was premiered by the composer himself in Paris in 1930. The first movement, marked 'Lento', is a somber and introspective piece that explores the various permutations of the four notes that make up the B-A-C-H motif. The music is characterized by its contrapuntal texture, with the different voices weaving in and out of each other in a complex and intricate web of sound. The mood is melancholic and introspective, with moments of intense emotion and moments of quiet reflection. The second movement, marked 'Allegro molto', is a lively and energetic piece that contrasts sharply with the first. The music is characterized by its virtuosic piano writing, with rapid runs and arpeggios that showcase the technical prowess of the performer. The B-A-C-H motif is used in a more playful and light-hearted way, with the music taking on a more whimsical and humorous character. Overall, Casella's 'Ricercari (2) on the Name B-A-C-H for piano, Op. 52' is a masterful exploration of the possibilities of the piano as a solo instrument. The music is characterized by its complex and intricate counterpoint, its emotional depth and intensity, and its virtuosic piano writing. The work stands as a testament to Casella's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the piano as an instrument.

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