Composer

:

Julius Reubke

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1857

Average_duration

:

24:39

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Julius Reubke's 'Organ Sonata on the 94th Psalm in C minor' is a monumental work for the organ, composed in 1857. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different section of the 94th Psalm. The sonata is known for its technical difficulty and its powerful, dramatic character. The first movement, marked Grave, begins with a slow, mournful introduction that sets the tone for the entire piece. The main section of the movement is a fugue, which builds in intensity and complexity as it progresses. The fugue subject is based on the opening words of the psalm, "O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth." The second movement, marked Adagio, is a set of variations on the psalm's second section, which speaks of God's comfort and protection for the righteous. The variations range from quiet and introspective to grand and majestic, and showcase the full range of the organ's capabilities. The final movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is a tour-de-force of virtuosity and power. It is based on the psalm's third section, which speaks of God's triumph over the wicked. The movement begins with a fiery toccata, which leads into a fugue that is even more complex and intense than the one in the first movement. The sonata ends with a triumphant coda that brings the piece to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, Reubke's 'Organ Sonata on the 94th Psalm in C minor' is a masterpiece of the organ repertoire. It combines technical brilliance with deep emotional expression, and showcases the full range of the organ's capabilities. The sonata premiered in 1857, and has since become a staple of the organ repertoire, beloved by organists and audiences alike.

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