Composer

:

Edward MacDowell

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Etude

Compose Date

:

1893 - 1894

Average_duration

:

26:51

Movement_count

:

12

Movement ....

Edward MacDowell's 'Virtuoso Etudes (12), Op. 46' is a set of twelve piano etudes that were composed in 1885. The work was premiered in the same year by the composer himself in Boston. The etudes are divided into two books, each containing six pieces. The first book of etudes is characterized by its technical demands and virtuosic writing. The first etude, titled 'Arabesque,' is a fast-paced piece that requires the pianist to play rapid arpeggios and scales. The second etude, 'Hunting Song,' is a lively and energetic piece that imitates the sounds of hunting horns. The third etude, 'March Wind,' is a fast and furious piece that captures the energy of a windy day. The fourth etude, 'Shadow Dance,' is a playful and light-hearted piece that features syncopated rhythms and staccato articulations. The fifth etude, 'Bluette,' is a delicate and lyrical piece that showcases the pianist's ability to play legato lines. The final etude in the first book, 'Impromptu,' is a fast and virtuosic piece that requires the pianist to play rapid runs and arpeggios. The second book of etudes is characterized by its more expressive and lyrical writing. The first etude, 'Idyl,' is a gentle and pastoral piece that features flowing melodies and delicate harmonies. The second etude, 'Shadow March,' is a somber and melancholic piece that features a mournful melody and dark harmonies. The third etude, 'Intermezzo,' is a lyrical and expressive piece that features a beautiful melody and rich harmonies. The fourth etude, 'Scherzino,' is a playful and light-hearted piece that features a lively melody and playful rhythms. The fifth etude, 'Hungarian,' is a fiery and passionate piece that features driving rhythms and virtuosic writing. The final etude in the second book, 'Tarentelle,' is a fast and energetic piece that requires the pianist to play rapid runs and arpeggios. Overall, MacDowell's 'Virtuoso Etudes (12), Op. 46' is a challenging and rewarding set of piano etudes that showcase the pianist's technical abilities and expressive range. The work is a testament to MacDowell's skill as a composer and his understanding of the piano as an instrument.

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