Composer

:

Alexander Tcherepnin

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Prelude & Fugue

Compose Date

:

1925 - 1926

Average_duration

:

22:18

Alexander Tcherepnin's 'Preludes (12) on a Scale of Nine Intervals, Op.38' is a collection of twelve preludes for piano, composed in 1933. The work was premiered by the composer himself in Paris in the same year. The preludes are organized according to a scale of nine intervals, which Tcherepnin developed himself. Each prelude is based on a different interval, and the intervals are arranged in ascending order, starting with the smallest interval (a half-step) and ending with the largest interval (an octave). The first prelude, based on a half-step interval, is marked "Allegro con fuoco" and is characterized by its rapid, staccato passages and fiery energy. The second prelude, based on a whole-step interval, is marked "Andante" and is more lyrical and introspective, with a flowing melody and gentle accompaniment. The third prelude, based on a minor third interval, is marked "Allegro" and is characterized by its playful, dance-like rhythms and bright, sparkling textures. The fourth prelude, based on a major third interval, is marked "Moderato" and is more subdued and contemplative, with a simple, haunting melody and delicate harmonies. The fifth prelude, based on a perfect fourth interval, is marked "Allegro" and is characterized by its driving rhythms and bold, assertive melodies. The sixth prelude, based on a tritone interval, is marked "Andante" and is more mysterious and brooding, with a dark, chromatic melody and dissonant harmonies. The seventh prelude, based on a perfect fifth interval, is marked "Allegro" and is characterized by its lively, syncopated rhythms and playful, jazzy harmonies. The eighth prelude, based on a minor sixth interval, is marked "Andante" and is more introspective and melancholy, with a plaintive melody and gentle, flowing accompaniment. The ninth prelude, based on a major sixth interval, is marked "Allegro" and is characterized by its bright, sunny melodies and lively, dance-like rhythms. The tenth prelude, based on a minor seventh interval, is marked "Andante" and is more somber and introspective, with a mournful melody and dark, brooding harmonies. The eleventh prelude, based on a major seventh interval, is marked "Allegro" and is characterized by its bold, assertive melodies and driving, syncopated rhythms. The final prelude, based on an octave interval, is marked "Andante" and is more contemplative and introspective, with a simple, haunting melody and delicate, ethereal harmonies. Overall, Tcherepnin's 'Preludes (12) on a Scale of Nine Intervals, Op.38' is a diverse and engaging collection of piano music, showcasing the composer's skillful use of harmony, rhythm, and melody.

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