Composer

:

William Bolcom

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Etude

Compose Date

:

1977 - 1986

Average_duration

:

38:34

New Etudes (12) is a set of twelve piano pieces composed by William Bolcom. The work was composed in 1986 and premiered on October 26, 1986, by pianist Marc-André Hamelin at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The twelve movements of New Etudes are each characterized by a unique musical style and technical challenge. The first movement, "Nocturne," is a lyrical and expressive piece that showcases the pianist's ability to create a beautiful singing tone. The second movement, "Toccata," is a fast and virtuosic piece that requires the pianist to play with great speed and precision. The third movement, "Rag," is a lively and syncopated piece that draws on the traditions of American ragtime music. The fourth movement, "Invention," is a contrapuntal piece that requires the pianist to play multiple independent lines simultaneously. The fifth movement, "Scherzo," is a playful and energetic piece that features rapid runs and intricate rhythms. The sixth movement, "Barcarolle," is a slow and lyrical piece that evokes the gentle rocking of a boat on the water. The seventh movement, "March," is a lively and rhythmic piece that draws on the traditions of military marches. The eighth movement, "Waltz," is a graceful and elegant piece that requires the pianist to play with a light touch and a sense of flow. The ninth movement, "Tango," is a sultry and passionate piece that draws on the traditions of Argentine tango music. The tenth movement, "Rag Arabesque," is a fusion of ragtime and Arabic music, featuring syncopated rhythms and exotic scales. The eleventh movement, "Ballade," is a narrative piece that tells a story through music, featuring dramatic shifts in mood and tempo. The final movement, "Galop," is a fast and frenetic piece that brings the set to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, New Etudes (12) is a challenging and diverse set of piano pieces that showcases Bolcom's mastery of a wide range of musical styles and techniques.

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