Composer

:

Guillaume Lekeu

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Character Piece

Compose Date

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ca. 1885

Average_duration

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8:08

Guillaume Lekeu was a Belgian composer who lived from 1870 to 1894. He was a student of César Franck and Vincent d'Indy, and his music is often associated with the Belgian school of composition. One of his most famous works is the Berceuse et Valse for piano, which he composed in 1892. The Berceuse et Valse for piano is a two-movement work that lasts approximately 10 minutes. The first movement, the Berceuse, is a lullaby that is marked "Très lent et doux" (very slow and sweet). The piece begins with a simple melody in the right hand, accompanied by a gentle arpeggio in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with slight variations, and the left hand becomes more active, adding more complex harmonies. The piece ends with a return to the simple melody and arpeggio of the beginning. The second movement, the Valse, is a waltz that is marked "Assez animé" (quite lively). The piece begins with a jaunty melody in the right hand, accompanied by a rhythmic pattern in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with variations, and the left hand becomes more complex, adding more syncopation and counterpoint. The piece ends with a return to the original melody and rhythm. The Berceuse et Valse for piano is characteristic of Lekeu's style, which is often described as impressionistic. His music is known for its rich harmonies, subtle use of color, and expressive melodies. The Berceuse et Valse for piano is a good example of these characteristics, with its lush harmonies, delicate melodies, and subtle use of rhythm and color. The Berceuse et Valse for piano premiered in Brussels in 1893, and it has since become one of Lekeu's most popular works. It is often performed by pianists around the world, and it is considered a staple of the piano repertoire.

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