Composer

:

Max Reger

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1900 - 1901

Average_duration

:

5:22

"Der Alte, Op. 55/15" is a composition for solo piano by German composer Max Reger. It was composed in 1901 and premiered the same year in Munich. The piece is part of a larger collection of piano works called "Aus meinem Tagebuch" (From My Diary), which Reger composed between 1899 and 1902. "Der Alte" is a single-movement piece that lasts approximately six minutes. The title translates to "The Old Man" in English, and the piece is characterized by its melancholic and introspective mood. The piece is written in the key of E minor and is marked "Langsam und ausdrucksvoll" (Slow and expressive) at the beginning. The piece begins with a simple, mournful melody played in the right hand, accompanied by a slow, rolling bass line in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with slight variations, and the bass line becomes more complex. The middle section of the piece features a more agitated and dissonant melody, which gradually builds in intensity before returning to the original theme. Reger's use of harmony in "Der Alte" is notable for its chromaticism and use of dissonance. The piece is also characterized by its use of rubato, or flexible tempo, which allows the performer to emphasize certain notes or phrases. Overall, "Der Alte" is a haunting and introspective piece that showcases Reger's skill as a composer of piano music. Its melancholic mood and use of dissonance make it a challenging but rewarding piece for performers and listeners alike.

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