Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

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1862 - 1863

Publication Date

:

1863

Average_duration

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3:11

Franz Liszt's "Gnomenreigen" is a virtuosic piano piece that was composed in 1862. It is the second movement of his "Two Concert Etudes," S. 145. The piece premiered in Weimar, Germany, on August 2, 1862, with Liszt himself performing. The title "Gnomenreigen" translates to "Dance of the Gnomes," and the piece is characterized by its fast and playful nature. The piece is in the key of F-sharp minor and is written in a fast 2/2 time signature. The tempo marking is Presto, indicating a very fast tempo. The piece begins with a rapid and intricate arpeggio that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The left hand plays a repetitive pattern of octaves, while the right hand plays a series of fast and complex runs. The melody is constantly shifting between the hands, creating a sense of constant motion and energy. The middle section of the piece provides a brief respite from the frenetic pace of the opening. The tempo slows down, and the melody becomes more lyrical and expressive. However, this section is short-lived, and the piece quickly returns to its fast and playful nature. The final section of the piece is a whirlwind of virtuosic runs and arpeggios. The melody becomes more fragmented and disjointed, with the hands playing off each other in a frenzied dance. The piece ends with a final flourish of notes, bringing the piece to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, "Gnomenreigen" is a challenging and exciting piece that showcases Liszt's virtuosic piano writing. Its fast and playful nature makes it a popular choice for pianists looking to showcase their technical abilities.

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