Composer

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Eugene Goossens

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

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Miscellaneous

Eugene Goossens' "Ballades (2), Op. 38" is a set of two ballades for piano, composed in 1928. The work was premiered by the composer himself in London on May 16, 1929. The first ballade is in A minor and is marked "Allegro moderato." It begins with a melancholic melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chord progression in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with variations, and the piece gradually builds in intensity. The middle section is in F major and features a more lyrical melody, before returning to the opening theme. The piece ends with a coda that brings the music to a quiet close. The second ballade is in F major and is marked "Allegro con fuoco." It begins with a fiery and virtuosic theme in the right hand, accompanied by a driving rhythm in the left hand. The middle section is in D-flat major and features a more lyrical melody, before returning to the opening theme. The piece ends with a coda that brings the music to a dramatic close. Overall, the "Ballades (2), Op. 38" showcase Goossens' skill as a composer and pianist. The pieces are characterized by their lyrical melodies, virtuosic passages, and dramatic contrasts. They are a testament to Goossens' ability to write music that is both technically challenging and emotionally expressive.

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