Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

1950 - 1951

Average_duration

:

11:37

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Dmitry Shostakovich's Prelude & Fugue No. 20 in C minor, Op. 87/20 is a work for solo piano that was composed in 1951. It is part of a set of 24 preludes and fugues, one in each major and minor key, that Shostakovich composed between 1950 and 1951. The set is often referred to as the "24 Preludes and Fugues" or simply the "Well-Tempered Clavier" of the 20th century. The premiere of the set took place on December 23, 1952, in Moscow, with Shostakovich himself performing. The set was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it has since become one of the most important works in the piano repertoire. The Prelude & Fugue No. 20 in C minor is one of the most famous and frequently performed pieces from the set. It is a relatively short work, lasting just over four minutes, and is divided into two movements: a prelude and a fugue. The prelude is marked Largo and is characterized by a mournful, melancholic melody that is played in the left hand. The right hand provides a simple accompaniment that consists of broken chords and arpeggios. The prelude is notable for its use of dissonance and chromaticism, which create a sense of tension and unease. The fugue is marked Allegro and is based on a subject that is introduced in the left hand. The subject is a short, rhythmic motif that is repeated throughout the fugue in various forms. The right hand provides a counterpoint to the subject, and the two hands engage in a lively and complex dialogue. The fugue builds to a climax before resolving in a quiet and introspective coda. Overall, the Prelude & Fugue No. 20 in C minor is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Shostakovich's mastery of counterpoint and his ability to create complex and nuanced musical structures. It is a testament to the enduring power of the prelude and fugue form, and it remains a beloved and frequently performed work in the piano repertoire.

More....