Composer

:

Charles Tomlinson Griffes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

May 14, 1912

Publication Date

:

1986

First Performance

:

Mar 15, 1965

Average_duration

:

1:08

Charles Tomlinson Griffes was an American composer who lived from 1884 to 1920. He was known for his impressionistic style and his use of exotic scales and harmonies. One of his most famous works is "Pierrot, A. 29," which was composed in 1918. "Pierrot, A. 29" is a suite for solo piano in five movements. The piece is named after the commedia dell'arte character Pierrot, who is a sad clown. The movements are as follows: 1. Barcarolle: This movement is in 6/8 time and has a flowing, watery feel. It is marked "dolce e legato" (sweet and connected) and is meant to evoke the feeling of a gondola ride. 2. The Serenade: This movement is in 3/4 time and is marked "con grazia" (with grace). It has a lilting, dance-like quality and is meant to evoke the feeling of a serenade. 3. The Jester: This movement is in 2/4 time and is marked "vivace" (lively). It has a playful, mischievous quality and is meant to evoke the character of a jester. 4. The Sad Pierrot: This movement is in 4/4 time and is marked "lento" (slow). It has a mournful, melancholy quality and is meant to evoke the sadness of the Pierrot character. 5. The Night Winds: This movement is in 6/8 time and is marked "agitato" (agitated). It has a frenzied, stormy quality and is meant to evoke the feeling of a windy night. Overall, "Pierrot, A. 29" is characterized by its impressionistic style, its use of exotic scales and harmonies, and its evocative characterizations of the Pierrot character. It premiered in New York City in 1919, and has since become a staple of the solo piano repertoire.

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