Composer

:

Otto Olsson

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude & Fugue

Compose Date

:

1935

Average_duration

:

12:16

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Otto Olsson's Prelude and Fugue in D sharp minor, Op. 56 is a two-movement work for organ. It was composed in 1921 and premiered the same year in Stockholm, Sweden. The first movement, the Prelude, is marked Allegro moderato and is in sonata form. It begins with a bold and dramatic introduction, featuring a descending chromatic scale in the pedal. The main theme is then introduced in the manuals, characterized by its rhythmic drive and use of syncopation. The second theme is more lyrical and features a flowing melody in the upper registers of the organ. The development section explores both themes, with the use of counterpoint and chromatic harmonies. The recapitulation brings back the main theme, followed by the second theme in a new key. The movement ends with a coda that features a virtuosic pedal solo. The second movement, the Fugue, is marked Allegro con fuoco and is in three parts. It begins with a subject that is introduced in the pedal and then taken up by the manuals. The subject is characterized by its rhythmic drive and use of chromaticism. The first part of the fugue features the subject in various keys and with different rhythmic treatments. The second part features a new theme that is introduced in the manuals and then taken up by the pedal. The third part brings back the original subject, now in stretto, with the different voices entering in quick succession. The movement ends with a grand and triumphant coda. Overall, Olsson's Prelude and Fugue in D sharp minor, Op. 56 is a virtuosic and dramatic work that showcases the capabilities of the organ. It features bold harmonies, rhythmic drive, and the use of counterpoint and chromaticism.

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