Composer

:

Ferruccio Busoni

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude

Compose Date

:

Jan 29, 1923 - Feb 12, 1923

Publication Date

:

1923

First Performance

:

Aug 18, 1923

Average_duration

:

8:41

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Ferruccio Busoni's 'Prélude et Etude en Arpèges, KiV297' is a two-movement piano work that was composed in 1917. The piece was premiered by Busoni himself in Zurich, Switzerland, on January 27, 1918. The first movement, 'Prélude', is marked 'Andante con moto' and is characterized by its flowing, lyrical melody. The piece begins with a simple, yet hauntingly beautiful melody that is played in the right hand. The left hand provides a gentle accompaniment with arpeggiated chords. As the piece progresses, the melody becomes more complex and the accompaniment becomes more intricate. The movement ends with a return to the simple melody that was heard at the beginning of the piece. The second movement, 'Etude en Arpèges', is marked 'Allegro moderato' and is a technical tour de force. The piece is built around a series of arpeggios that are played in both hands. The arpeggios are played at a rapid pace and require a great deal of dexterity and precision. The movement is also characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which give the piece a sense of tension and urgency. The movement ends with a series of rapid arpeggios that gradually fade away. Overall, 'Prélude et Etude en Arpèges, KiV297' is a challenging and rewarding piece for pianists. The first movement showcases Busoni's gift for melody and his ability to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. The second movement demonstrates his technical prowess and his willingness to push the boundaries of traditional piano writing.

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