Composer

:

Amy Beach

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sketch

Publication Date

:

1892

First Performance

:

Nov 29, 1892

Average_duration

:

11:49

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Amy Beach's 'Sketches (4), Op. 15' is a collection of four short pieces for solo piano. The work was composed in 1892 and premiered the same year in Boston. The four movements are titled 'In Autumn', 'Phantoms', 'Dreaming', and 'Fireflies'. The first movement, 'In Autumn', is a melancholic and introspective piece that captures the essence of the season. The use of chromaticism and dissonance creates a sense of unease and tension, while the lyrical melody evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing. The second movement, 'Phantoms', is a haunting and mysterious piece that explores the supernatural. The use of tremolos and arpeggios creates a sense of unease and tension, while the use of dissonance and unexpected harmonies adds to the eerie atmosphere. The third movement, 'Dreaming', is a gentle and lyrical piece that captures the essence of a peaceful dream. The use of rubato and the delicate melody create a sense of floating and drifting, while the use of arpeggios and broken chords adds to the dreamlike quality. The final movement, 'Fireflies', is a playful and energetic piece that captures the essence of the insects. The use of staccato and syncopation creates a sense of movement and excitement, while the use of chromaticism and unexpected harmonies adds to the whimsical atmosphere. Overall, 'Sketches (4), Op. 15' is a diverse and engaging collection of piano pieces that showcases Amy Beach's skill as a composer. The use of chromaticism, dissonance, and unexpected harmonies adds depth and complexity to the work, while the use of rubato and delicate melodies creates a sense of intimacy and emotion.

More....