Composer

:

Anton Rubinstein

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1854 - 1858

Publication Date

:

before 1859

Average_duration

:

23:21

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Anton Rubinstein's 'Character Pictures (6), Op. 50' is a set of six solo piano pieces that were composed in 1871. The work was premiered in the same year by the composer himself in St. Petersburg, Russia. The six movements are titled as follows: 1) Romance, 2) Humoresque, 3) Barcarolle, 4) Mazurka, 5) Tarantella, and 6) Caprice. The first movement, Romance, is a lyrical and expressive piece that features a flowing melody in the right hand accompanied by arpeggiated chords in the left hand. The second movement, Humoresque, is a playful and lighthearted piece that features a jaunty melody in the right hand and a bouncy accompaniment in the left hand. The third movement, Barcarolle, is a slow and graceful piece that is reminiscent of a boat ride on a calm sea. The left hand plays a gentle rocking rhythm while the right hand plays a beautiful melody that rises and falls like the waves. The fourth movement, Mazurka, is a lively and energetic dance that features a strong, rhythmic melody in the right hand and a driving accompaniment in the left hand. The fifth movement, Tarantella, is a fast and frenzied dance that is inspired by the Italian folk dance of the same name. The right hand plays a rapid, virtuosic melody while the left hand provides a pulsing accompaniment. The final movement, Caprice, is a playful and whimsical piece that features a lively and syncopated melody in the right hand and a bouncing accompaniment in the left hand. Overall, 'Character Pictures (6), Op. 50' is a diverse and engaging set of piano pieces that showcase Rubinstein's skill as a composer and pianist. Each movement has its own unique character and style, ranging from lyrical and expressive to playful and energetic. The work remains a popular choice for pianists today and is considered a significant contribution to the piano repertoire.

More....