Composer

:

George Perle

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude

Compose Date

:

1946

Average_duration

:

4:20

George Perle's 'Preludes (6), Op. 20b' is a set of six short piano pieces composed in 1959. The work was premiered by pianist David Tudor in New York City on May 12, 1960. The six movements are titled: I. Allegro, II. Andante, III. Allegro, IV. Andante, V. Allegro, and VI. Andante. The 'Preludes' are characterized by their atonal and dissonant harmonies, angular melodies, and complex rhythms. Perle's use of serial techniques is evident throughout the work, with each movement based on a different twelve-tone row. However, Perle's approach to serialism is unique in that he often uses subsets of the row to create smaller melodic and harmonic units. The first movement, marked Allegro, is a lively and energetic piece that features rapid scalar passages and syncopated rhythms. The second movement, Andante, is more introspective and lyrical, with a haunting melody that is passed between the hands. The third movement, marked Allegro, is a virtuosic tour-de-force that showcases the pianist's technical abilities. The fourth movement, Andante, is a delicate and introspective piece that features a simple yet beautiful melody. The fifth movement, marked Allegro, is the most dissonant and angular of the set, with jagged rhythms and harsh harmonies. The final movement, Andante, is a peaceful and contemplative piece that brings the set to a gentle close. Overall, Perle's 'Preludes (6), Op. 20b' is a challenging and rewarding work for both performer and listener. Its complex harmonies and rhythms require careful attention and interpretation, but the result is a set of six unique and compelling pieces that showcase Perle's mastery of serial techniques.

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