Composer

:

Arthur Vincent Lourié

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1917

Average_duration

:

3:19

Arthur Vincent Lourié's "Upman's Smoking Sketch" is a piano piece that was composed in 1922. It premiered in Paris in the same year. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and playful piece that features a syncopated rhythm and a jazzy feel. The melody is light and bouncy, with a sense of whimsy that is characteristic of Lourié's style. The movement is relatively short, lasting only a few minutes, but it sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a slower and more contemplative piece. The melody is more lyrical and expressive, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The harmonies are more complex, with a greater use of dissonance and chromaticism. The movement is more introspective than the first, with a sense of introspection and reflection. The third movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a fiery and energetic piece that brings the piece to a thrilling conclusion. The melody is more angular and aggressive, with a sense of urgency and excitement. The harmonies are more dissonant and complex, with a greater use of polytonality and atonality. The movement is a tour de force for the pianist, with virtuosic runs and arpeggios that showcase the technical prowess of the performer. Overall, "Upman's Smoking Sketch" is a dynamic and engaging piece that showcases Lourié's unique style and musical voice. The piece is characterized by its playful melodies, complex harmonies, and virtuosic piano writing. It is a testament to Lourié's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both challenging and accessible.

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