Composer

:

Albert Roussel

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fugue

Compose Date

:

1929

Average_duration

:

4:51

Albert Roussel's Prelude & Fughetta, Op. 41 is a two-movement work for solo piano. It was composed in 1912 and premiered the same year in Paris. The first movement, the Prelude, is marked "Allegro con brio" and is in sonata form. The piece begins with a bold and energetic theme in the right hand, accompanied by a driving rhythm in the left hand. The theme is then developed and expanded upon, with the left hand taking on a more prominent role. The middle section of the movement features a lyrical and expressive melody, which is then followed by a return to the opening theme. The movement ends with a virtuosic coda, showcasing the pianist's technical abilities. The second movement, the Fughetta, is marked "Allegro moderato" and is a fugue in three voices. The piece begins with a statement of the main theme in the right hand, followed by its entry in the left hand and then the bass. The theme is then developed and varied throughout the movement, with each voice taking turns playing the subject and countersubject. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical and expressive theme, which is then followed by a return to the fugue subject. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the main theme in all three voices. Overall, Prelude & Fughetta, Op. 41 showcases Roussel's mastery of form and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and musically engaging. The piece is characterized by its bold and energetic themes, driving rhythms, and virtuosic passages, as well as its use of traditional forms such as sonata and fugue.

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