Composer

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Alexandre Guilmant

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Keyboard

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Keyboard

Alexandre Guilmant's 'Pieces in different styles, Book 4, Op. 18' is a collection of six pieces for organ, composed in 1894. The premiere of the work took place on May 6, 1894, at the Trocadéro Palace in Paris, with Guilmant himself performing on the organ. The first movement, marked Allegro moderato, is a lively and energetic piece in G minor. It features a driving rhythm and a memorable melody, with frequent use of pedal notes and virtuosic flourishes. The second movement, marked Andante sostenuto, is a more contemplative piece in E-flat major. It features a lyrical melody in the right hand, accompanied by gentle arpeggios in the left hand and a sustained pedal note. The third movement, marked Allegro vivace, is a playful and light-hearted piece in D major. It features a sprightly melody in the right hand, with a bouncy accompaniment in the left hand and frequent use of staccato notes. The fourth movement, marked Adagio, is a slow and expressive piece in B-flat major. It features a soaring melody in the right hand, accompanied by rich harmonies in the left hand and a sustained pedal note. The fifth movement, marked Allegro giocoso, is a lively and joyful piece in F major. It features a playful melody in the right hand, with a syncopated accompaniment in the left hand and frequent use of chromaticism. The final movement, marked Allegro maestoso, is a grand and majestic piece in C major. It features a triumphant melody in the right hand, accompanied by powerful chords in the left hand and a virtuosic pedal line. Overall, 'Pieces in different styles, Book 4, Op. 18' showcases Guilmant's mastery of the organ and his ability to write in a variety of styles. The collection is characterized by its virtuosic flourishes, rich harmonies, and memorable melodies, making it a popular choice for organists to this day.

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