Composer

:

Vincent Persichetti

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

8:17

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Masques, Op. 99 is a composition for solo piano by Vincent Persichetti, an American composer and educator. The piece was composed in 1960 and premiered on November 17, 1960, by pianist Beveridge Webster at the Juilliard School in New York City. Masques, Op. 99 is a set of six short character pieces, each with its own distinct mood and style. The movements are as follows: 1. Prelude: This movement is marked "misterioso" and features a haunting melody in the right hand over a repetitive left-hand pattern. 2. Capriccio: This movement is marked "giocoso" (playful) and is characterized by its lively, syncopated rhythms and playful melodies. 3. Nocturne: This movement is marked "dolce" (sweetly) and features a lyrical melody in the right hand over a gentle accompaniment in the left hand. 4. Intermezzo: This movement is marked "scherzando" (playfully) and is characterized by its fast, playful rhythms and quirky melodies. 5. Dirge: This movement is marked "lamentoso" (mournful) and features a slow, mournful melody in the right hand over a simple accompaniment in the left hand. 6. Masque: This movement is marked "presto" (very fast) and is characterized by its frenetic, virtuosic passages and constantly shifting rhythms. Overall, Masques, Op. 99 is a challenging and virtuosic work that showcases Persichetti's mastery of piano writing. The piece is notable for its wide range of moods and styles, from the haunting Prelude to the playful Capriccio to the mournful Dirge. Despite its diversity, the piece is unified by Persichetti's distinctive harmonic language and rhythmic vitality.

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