Composer

:

Ferruccio Busoni

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

1915

Publication Date

:

1915

Average_duration

:

7:52

Ferruccio Busoni's 'Praeludium, Fuge & Allegro in E flat major, KiV B36' is a three-movement work for solo piano. It was composed in 1909 and premiered by Busoni himself in Berlin on December 10, 1909. The first movement, the Praeludium, is a grand and majestic introduction to the piece. It begins with a series of arpeggios that gradually build in intensity, leading to a powerful chordal section. The middle section of the movement features a lyrical melody that is passed between the hands, accompanied by a flowing arpeggio figure. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, building to a dramatic climax. The second movement, the Fuge, is a complex and intricate fugue that showcases Busoni's mastery of counterpoint. The subject of the fugue is introduced in the bass and is then taken up by the other voices in turn. The fugue is developed through a series of episodes, each exploring different harmonic and rhythmic possibilities. The movement ends with a powerful restatement of the subject in the bass, bringing the fugue to a satisfying conclusion. The final movement, the Allegro, is a virtuosic tour-de-force that displays Busoni's technical prowess as a pianist. The movement is characterized by its rapid, cascading arpeggios and intricate passagework. The middle section of the movement features a lyrical melody that is accompanied by a series of rapid, staccato chords. The movement ends with a brilliant coda that brings the piece to a thrilling close. Overall, 'Praeludium, Fuge & Allegro in E flat major, KiV B36' is a challenging and rewarding work for the pianist. It showcases Busoni's unique blend of virtuosity, lyricism, and contrapuntal mastery, and remains a staple of the piano repertoire to this day.

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