Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1930

Average_duration

:

7:04

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Benjamin Britten's 'Character Pieces (3)' is a set of three short piano pieces composed in 1932. The pieces were premiered by the composer himself on May 12, 1932, at the Wigmore Hall in London. The three movements are titled 'Impromptu', 'March', and 'Lullaby'. The first movement, 'Impromptu', is a lively and playful piece in 6/8 time. It begins with a sprightly melody in the right hand, accompanied by a syncopated rhythm in the left hand. The middle section of the piece features a more lyrical melody, which is then developed and expanded upon in the final section. The second movement, 'March', is a more serious and stately piece in 2/4 time. It begins with a simple, march-like melody in the right hand, accompanied by a steady bass line in the left hand. The middle section of the piece features a more complex and chromatic melody, which is then restated in a more simplified form in the final section. The third and final movement, 'Lullaby', is a gentle and soothing piece in 3/4 time. It begins with a simple, repetitive melody in the right hand, accompanied by a gentle arpeggio in the left hand. The middle section of the piece features a more complex and harmonically rich melody, which is then restated in a more simplified form in the final section. Overall, 'Character Pieces (3)' is a charming and accessible set of piano pieces that showcase Britten's early compositional style. The pieces are relatively simple in terms of their technical demands, but they are full of character and charm. They are a testament to Britten's ability to create memorable melodies and to capture a wide range of moods and emotions in his music.

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