Composer

:

Artur Schnabel

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1906

Average_duration

:

15:22

Artur Schnabel's 'Pieces (3) for keyboard, Op. 15' is a set of three solo piano pieces composed in 1909. The pieces were premiered by Schnabel himself in Vienna in the same year. The three movements are titled 'Allegro', 'Scherzo', and 'Finale'. The first movement, 'Allegro', is a lively and energetic piece in sonata form. It begins with a bold and assertive theme in the right hand, which is then echoed and developed in the left hand. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical and introspective theme, which is then contrasted with a return to the opening theme. The movement ends with a virtuosic coda that showcases Schnabel's technical prowess. The second movement, 'Scherzo', is a playful and whimsical piece in ternary form. It features a sprightly and syncopated main theme, which is then followed by a contrasting middle section in a slower and more lyrical style. The main theme returns in a modified form, and the movement ends with a brief coda. The final movement, 'Finale', is a lively and exuberant piece in rondo form. It begins with a lively and syncopated main theme, which is then followed by a series of contrasting episodes. These episodes feature a variety of moods and styles, including a lyrical and expressive section and a more aggressive and dissonant section. The main theme returns several times throughout the movement, each time with a different variation or development. The movement ends with a triumphant and virtuosic coda. Overall, Schnabel's 'Pieces (3) for keyboard, Op. 15' showcase his skill as both a composer and a pianist. The pieces are characterized by their lively and energetic style, as well as their use of traditional forms and structures. They are a testament to Schnabel's mastery of the piano and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and musically engaging.

More....