Composer

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Ronald Stevenson

Genre

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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4:00

"Komm, süsser Tod (after Bach's BWV 478)" is a composition by Ronald Stevenson, a Scottish composer, pianist, and writer. The piece was composed in 1976 and premiered in the same year. It is a set of variations on Bach's chorale prelude "Komm, süsser Tod" (Come, sweet death), BWV 478. The piece consists of six movements, each exploring different aspects of the original chorale prelude. The first movement is a simple statement of the theme, followed by a series of variations that gradually become more complex and virtuosic. The second movement is a fugue, with the theme presented in a contrapuntal texture. The third movement is a set of variations in a slow, mournful style, with the theme presented in the bass. The fourth movement is a scherzo, with the theme presented in a playful, rhythmic manner. The fifth movement is a set of variations in a fast, virtuosic style, with the theme presented in the treble. The final movement is a grand, triumphant statement of the theme, bringing the piece to a powerful conclusion. Stevenson's "Komm, süsser Tod" is characterized by its virtuosic piano writing, complex harmonies, and wide range of textures and moods. The piece is a tribute to Bach's original chorale prelude, but also a highly original work in its own right. Stevenson's use of variation form allows him to explore the many facets of the original theme, while also showcasing his own compositional skills and musical imagination. Overall, "Komm, süsser Tod (after Bach's BWV 478)" is a challenging and rewarding work for pianists, and a testament to Stevenson's skill as a composer. Its premiere in 1976 marked a significant contribution to the repertoire of contemporary piano music.

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