Composer

:

César Franck

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fantasy

Compose Date

:

1842

Publication Date

:

ca. 1845

Average_duration

:

13:51

César Franck's Duo for Piano No. 1 God Save the King, Op. 4, M. 12 was composed in 1861 and premiered on January 22, 1862, at the Salle Pleyel in Paris. The piece is divided into three movements: Allegro moderato, Scherzo: Vivace, and Finale: Allegro molto. The first movement, Allegro moderato, begins with a lively and energetic theme played by the piano. The second theme is more lyrical and is introduced by the violin. The two themes are developed throughout the movement, with the piano and violin trading off melodies and harmonies. The movement ends with a recapitulation of the first theme. The second movement, Scherzo: Vivace, is a playful and light-hearted scherzo. The piano and violin play off each other in a series of quick and intricate runs and trills. The middle section of the movement is more subdued, with a slower and more lyrical melody played by the violin. The movement ends with a return to the playful scherzo theme. The final movement, Finale: Allegro molto, is a fast and energetic movement that showcases the technical abilities of both the piano and violin. The movement begins with a lively and syncopated theme played by the piano. The violin then introduces a more lyrical theme, which is developed throughout the movement. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the first theme. Overall, Franck's Duo for Piano No. 1 God Save the King, Op. 4, M. 12 is a virtuosic and technically demanding piece that showcases the composer's skill in writing for both the piano and violin. The piece is characterized by its lively and energetic themes, intricate runs and trills, and playful scherzo.

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