Composer

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Gioachino Rossini

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Character Piece

Compose Date

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1857 - 1868

Average_duration

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9:02

Gioachino Rossini's "Prélude prétentieux (Péchés de vieillesse), QR x/1" is a piano piece that was composed in 1857. It is part of a collection of piano pieces called "Péchés de vieillesse" (Sins of Old Age) that Rossini composed during his retirement years. The collection consists of 150 pieces that were written between 1857 and 1868. The "Prélude prétentieux" is the first piece in the collection and was premiered in Paris in 1868. The piece is in the key of C major and has a duration of approximately two minutes. It is a short and lively piece that showcases Rossini's virtuosic piano writing. The piece is divided into two main sections. The first section is marked "Allegro vivace" and features a fast and playful melody that is played in the right hand. The left hand provides a steady accompaniment with broken chords. The second section is marked "Presto" and features a more complex and intricate melody that is played in both hands. The piece ends with a flourish of fast arpeggios in both hands. The "Prélude prétentieux" is characteristic of Rossini's style, with its lively and playful melodies and virtuosic piano writing. It is a challenging piece to play and requires a high level of technical skill. The piece is also notable for its use of chromaticism and unexpected harmonic shifts. Overall, the "Prélude prétentieux" is a delightful and entertaining piece that showcases Rossini's skill as a composer and pianist. It is a testament to his continued creativity and musical genius even in his retirement years.

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