Composer

:

César Cui

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

34:22

César Cui's "Miniatures (18) for piano, Opp. 20 & 39" is a collection of short pieces for solo piano. The work was composed in the late 19th century and premiered in 1894. The collection is divided into two sets, Op. 20 and Op. 39, each containing nine pieces. The first set, Op. 20, was composed in 1886 and premiered in the same year. The movements are characterized by their brevity and simplicity, with each piece lasting no more than a few minutes. The first piece, "March," is a lively and energetic march in 2/4 time. The second piece, "Waltz," is a graceful and elegant waltz in 3/4 time. The third piece, "Scherzo," is a playful and light-hearted scherzo in 3/4 time. The fourth piece, "Nocturne," is a slow and lyrical piece in 6/8 time. The fifth piece, "Barcarolle," is a gentle and flowing piece in 6/8 time, evoking the image of a boat on a calm sea. The sixth piece, "Mazurka," is a lively and rhythmic dance in 3/4 time. The seventh piece, "Intermezzo," is a short and sweet piece in 2/4 time. The eighth piece, "Caprice," is a fast and virtuosic piece in 2/4 time. The final piece, "Etude," is a technical study in 2/4 time, showcasing the pianist's dexterity and agility. The second set, Op. 39, was composed in 1894 and premiered in the same year. The movements are more complex and varied than those of the first set, with a wider range of moods and styles. The first piece, "Prelude," is a slow and contemplative piece in 4/4 time. The second piece, "Fugue," is a contrapuntal piece in 3/4 time, showcasing Cui's skill in writing fugues. The third piece, "Scherzino," is a playful and whimsical piece in 3/4 time. The fourth piece, "Nocturne," is a slow and dreamy piece in 6/8 time. The fifth piece, "Humoresque," is a lively and humorous piece in 2/4 time. The sixth piece, "Impromptu," is a free and improvisatory piece in 4/4 time. The seventh piece, "Barcarolle," is a flowing and lyrical piece in 6/8 time. The eighth piece, "Toccata," is a fast and virtuosic piece in 2/4 time, showcasing the pianist's technical abilities. The final piece, "Epilogue," is a slow and reflective piece in 4/4 time, bringing the collection to a peaceful and contemplative close. Overall, Cui's "Miniatures (18) for piano, Opp. 20 & 39" is a charming and delightful collection of short pieces for solo piano, showcasing the composer's skill in writing in a variety of styles and moods.

More....