Composer

:

Edwin Henry Lemare

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Polonaise

Average_duration

:

7:26

Edwin Henry Lemare's Concertstücke No. 1 in the form of a Polonaise for organ, Op. 80 is a virtuosic and grandiose work for the organ. It was composed in 1903 and premiered by the composer himself at the Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The piece is structured in three movements, with the first and third being fast and lively, while the second is a slower and more contemplative interlude. The first movement is in the form of a polonaise, a traditional Polish dance characterized by its stately and dignified rhythm. Lemare's polonaise is marked by its sweeping arpeggios, intricate ornamentation, and dramatic contrasts in dynamics. The second movement, marked Adagio, is a lyrical and expressive section that provides a moment of respite from the frenetic energy of the first and third movements. The final movement returns to the polonaise form, with even more elaborate and virtuosic passages than before. One of the defining characteristics of Lemare's Concertstücke No. 1 is its use of the full range of the organ's capabilities. The piece demands a large and powerful instrument, with a wide variety of stops and registers. Lemare makes full use of the organ's ability to produce a vast range of timbres, from the softest and most delicate flutes to the thunderous power of the full organ. The piece also showcases the organist's technical prowess, with demanding passages that require both speed and precision. Overall, Lemare's Concertstücke No. 1 in the form of a Polonaise for organ, Op. 80 is a tour de force of organ music, showcasing the instrument's power, versatility, and expressive potential. Its combination of traditional dance forms with virtuosic flourishes and dramatic contrasts make it a thrilling and engaging work for both performers and audiences alike.

More....