Composer

:

Petr Eben

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

8:18

Hommage a Buxtehude is a composition for organ by Czech composer Petr Eben. It was composed in 1967 and premiered the same year in Prague. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which pays tribute to the Baroque composer Dietrich Buxtehude. The first movement, marked "Fantasia," is a free-form piece that showcases the organ's range of colors and textures. It begins with a series of chords that gradually build in intensity, leading to a virtuosic passage that explores the full range of the keyboard. The movement is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which give it a modern edge while still paying homage to Buxtehude's contrapuntal style. The second movement, marked "Chorale," is a simple and elegant setting of Buxtehude's chorale melody "Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist." Eben's harmonization of the melody is lush and expressive, with richly layered chords that create a sense of depth and warmth. The movement is notable for its use of pedal tones, which provide a steady foundation for the soaring melody above. The final movement, marked "Toccata," is a lively and energetic piece that showcases the organ's power and agility. It begins with a series of rapid-fire arpeggios that build in intensity, leading to a virtuosic passage that explores the full range of the keyboard. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and rhythmic complexity, which give it a sense of urgency and excitement. Overall, Hommage a Buxtehude is a masterful tribute to one of the great composers of the Baroque era. Eben's use of modern harmonies and techniques gives the piece a contemporary edge while still paying homage to Buxtehude's contrapuntal style. The three movements showcase the full range of the organ's capabilities, from its delicate and expressive qualities to its power and agility.

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