Composer

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Leopold Godowsky

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

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3:33

Leopold Godowsky's 'Trockne Blumen (after Schubert)' is a set of variations for solo piano, based on the eponymous song from Franz Schubert's 'Die schöne Müllerin' song cycle. Godowsky composed the piece in 1919, and it premiered the same year in New York City. The piece consists of twelve variations, each exploring different aspects of the original song's melody and harmony. The variations range in mood from playful to melancholic, and they showcase Godowsky's virtuosic piano writing. The piece is notable for its use of complex polyphony and intricate textures, which require a high level of technical skill from the performer. The first variation is a straightforward presentation of the song's melody, while the second introduces a new counterpoint in the left hand. The third variation is a playful scherzo, featuring rapid runs and arpeggios. The fourth variation is a lyrical adagio, with the melody played in the right hand against a flowing accompaniment in the left. The fifth variation is a virtuosic display of fingerwork, with the melody played in octaves and rapid runs in both hands. The sixth variation is a gentle waltz, with the melody played in the left hand against a flowing accompaniment in the right. The seventh variation is a dramatic and intense fugue, showcasing Godowsky's mastery of counterpoint. The eighth variation is a playful scherzo, featuring rapid runs and arpeggios. The ninth variation is a lyrical adagio, with the melody played in the right hand against a flowing accompaniment in the left. The tenth variation is a virtuosic display of fingerwork, with the melody played in octaves and rapid runs in both hands. The eleventh variation is a gentle waltz, with the melody played in the left hand against a flowing accompaniment in the right. The final variation is a triumphant and virtuosic finale, featuring rapid runs and arpeggios in both hands. Overall, 'Trockne Blumen (after Schubert)' is a challenging and rewarding piece for advanced pianists, showcasing Godowsky's unique approach to piano writing and his deep appreciation for Schubert's music.

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