Composer

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Selim Palmgren

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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1908

Selim Palmgren was a Finnish composer and pianist who lived from 1878 to 1951. He was known for his romantic and impressionistic style of music, which was heavily influenced by the works of Chopin and Liszt. One of his most famous works is the set of Preludes (2), which was composed in 1909. The Preludes (2) were premiered in Helsinki in 1910, and they consist of two movements. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is in the key of E-flat major. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chord progression in the left hand. The melody gradually builds in intensity, with the left hand adding more complex harmonies and rhythms. The middle section of the movement features a more dramatic and virtuosic passage, with fast runs and arpeggios in both hands. The movement ends with a return to the gentle opening melody, which fades away into silence. The second movement is marked "Allegro con fuoco" and is in the key of C minor. It begins with a fiery and intense melody in the right hand, accompanied by a driving rhythm in the left hand. The melody is repeated and developed throughout the movement, with the left hand adding more complex harmonies and rhythms. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical and introspective passage, with a slower tempo and more delicate phrasing. The movement ends with a return to the fiery opening melody, which builds to a dramatic climax before ending abruptly. Overall, the Preludes (2) are characterized by their romantic and impressionistic style, with lush harmonies, flowing melodies, and virtuosic passages. They showcase Palmgren's skill as a pianist and composer, and are a testament to his place in the Finnish musical tradition.

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