Composer

:

Ronald Stevenson

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1995

Average_duration

:

9:18

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Ronald Stevenson's 'Grounds (3) (after Purcell)' is a composition for solo piano that was composed in 1964. The piece was premiered by the composer himself in the same year. The composition consists of three movements, each of which is based on a ground bass from a piece by the English composer Henry Purcell. The first movement, titled 'Ground after the Purcell Chacony', is based on the ground bass from Purcell's Chacony in G minor. The movement begins with a simple statement of the ground bass, which is then developed and elaborated upon through a series of variations. The variations range from delicate and introspective to virtuosic and explosive, showcasing the full range of the piano. The second movement, titled 'Ground after the Purcell Fantasia', is based on the ground bass from Purcell's Fantasia upon One Note. The movement begins with a sparse and haunting statement of the ground bass, which is then gradually built upon through a series of variations. The variations are characterized by their use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, creating a sense of tension and unease. The third and final movement, titled 'Ground after the Purcell Hornpipe', is based on the ground bass from Purcell's Hornpipe in E minor. The movement is characterized by its lively and energetic rhythms, which are derived from the original hornpipe. The ground bass is used as a foundation for a series of lively and playful variations, which showcase the composer's virtuosic piano writing. Overall, 'Grounds (3) (after Purcell)' is a masterful composition that showcases Ronald Stevenson's skill as a composer and pianist. The piece is characterized by its use of ground basses from Purcell's works, which are then developed and elaborated upon through a series of variations. The result is a composition that is both deeply rooted in the tradition of classical music and highly innovative in its approach to form and structure.

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