Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

1950 - 1951

Average_duration

:

5:44

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Dmitry Shostakovich's Prelude & Fugue No. 19 in E flat major, Op. 87/19, was composed in 1950 and premiered on December 23, 1951, in Moscow. The piece is part of a set of 24 preludes and fugues, one in each major and minor key, that Shostakovich composed between 1950 and 1951. The set is often compared to Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, which also consists of 24 preludes and fugues. The Prelude & Fugue No. 19 in E flat major is divided into two movements, a prelude and a fugue. The prelude is marked Allegretto and is in a ternary form, with a lyrical A section and a more rhythmic B section. The prelude begins with a simple melody in the right hand, accompanied by a flowing arpeggio in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with a more complex accompaniment, before transitioning to the B section, which features a syncopated rhythm and a more dissonant harmony. The A section is then repeated with some variations before the prelude ends with a coda. The fugue is marked Moderato and is in a three-voice texture. The subject of the fugue is introduced in the bass voice and is then imitated by the alto and soprano voices. The subject is a simple melody that is based on the opening notes of the prelude. The fugue is characterized by its contrapuntal texture, with the three voices weaving in and out of each other. The fugue also features a number of episodes, which are sections that do not use the subject but instead develop other musical material. The fugue builds to a climax before ending with a coda that restates the subject in a triumphant manner. Overall, the Prelude & Fugue No. 19 in E flat major is a relatively light-hearted and optimistic piece, with a lyrical prelude and a lively fugue. However, it also contains moments of tension and dissonance, particularly in the B section of the prelude and in some of the episodes of the fugue. The piece showcases Shostakovich's skill as a composer, particularly in his ability to create complex textures and harmonies within a relatively simple musical structure.

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