Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude

Compose Date

:

1932 - 1933

Average_duration

:

33:01

Movement_count

:

24

Movement ....

Dmitry Shostakovich's "Preludes (24) for piano, Op. 34" is a collection of 24 short pieces for solo piano. The work was composed in 1932 and premiered in Leningrad on December 5 of the same year. The preludes are divided into two books, each containing 12 preludes. The first book of preludes begins with a slow and melancholic prelude in C major, followed by a lively and playful prelude in A minor. The third prelude is a fast and energetic piece in G major, while the fourth is a slow and introspective prelude in E minor. The fifth prelude is a lively and rhythmic piece in D major, while the sixth is a slow and mournful prelude in B minor. The seventh prelude is a fast and virtuosic piece in A major, while the eighth is a slow and lyrical prelude in F-sharp minor. The ninth prelude is a lively and playful piece in E major, while the tenth is a slow and contemplative prelude in C-sharp minor. The eleventh prelude is a fast and rhythmic piece in B major, while the twelfth is a slow and peaceful prelude in G-sharp minor. The second book of preludes begins with a fast and energetic prelude in C major, followed by a slow and melancholic prelude in A minor. The third prelude is a lively and playful piece in G major, while the fourth is a slow and introspective prelude in E minor. The fifth prelude is a fast and virtuosic piece in D major, while the sixth is a slow and mournful prelude in B minor. The seventh prelude is a lively and rhythmic piece in A major, while the eighth is a slow and lyrical prelude in F-sharp minor. The ninth prelude is a fast and virtuosic piece in E major, while the tenth is a slow and contemplative prelude in C-sharp minor. The eleventh prelude is a lively and rhythmic piece in B major, while the twelfth is a slow and peaceful prelude in G-sharp minor. The preludes are characterized by their brevity and diversity of mood and style. Shostakovich's use of tonality is often unconventional, with frequent use of dissonance and chromaticism. The preludes range in difficulty from intermediate to advanced, with some requiring virtuosic technique. The work is considered a significant contribution to the piano repertoire and is frequently performed and recorded.

More....