Composer

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Moritz Moszkowski

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Etude

Compose Date

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1903

Moritz Moszkowski's Études de virtuosité (15) Per Aspera ad Astra, Op. 72 is a set of fifteen virtuosic piano studies that were composed in 1897. The work was premiered in the same year by the composer himself in Berlin. The title of the work, Per Aspera ad Astra, is a Latin phrase that translates to "through hardships to the stars," and it reflects the technical challenges that the pieces present to the performer. The fifteen studies are divided into three groups of five, each with its own distinct character and technical demands. The first group focuses on finger dexterity and agility, with fast runs and arpeggios that require precise and rapid finger movements. The second group explores the use of the pedal and the sustaining of notes, with long and sustained melodies that require careful control of the sound. The third group is the most technically demanding, with complex rhythms and intricate fingerings that require a high level of virtuosity. Despite the technical challenges, Moszkowski's Études de virtuosité are not merely exercises in technique. Each study has its own unique character and musicality, with melodies and harmonies that are both beautiful and challenging. The pieces are also highly expressive, with a range of emotions from the playful and lighthearted to the dramatic and intense. Overall, Moszkowski's Études de virtuosité (15) Per Aspera ad Astra, Op. 72 is a significant contribution to the repertoire of virtuosic piano music. The work showcases Moszkowski's skill as a composer and his understanding of the technical demands of the piano. It is a challenging and rewarding set of studies that continues to be studied and performed by pianists today.

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