Composer

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Béla Bartók

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Character Piece

Compose Date

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1897

Average_duration

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5:31

Béla Bartók's Scherzo-Fantasie for piano in B major, BB 11, was composed in 1904 when the composer was only 23 years old. The piece was premiered in Budapest in 1904 by the composer himself. The Scherzo-Fantasie is a one-movement work that is characterized by its virtuosic piano writing and its use of Hungarian folk music. The piece is in B major and is marked Allegro molto. The work is structured in a rondo-like form, with a recurring main theme that is interspersed with contrasting episodes. The opening theme is a lively and playful melody that is immediately followed by a more subdued and lyrical second theme. The contrasting episodes that follow are marked by their use of Hungarian folk music, which is a hallmark of Bartók's style. These episodes are characterized by their rhythmic complexity and their use of dissonant harmonies. The Scherzo-Fantasie is a technically demanding work that requires a high level of virtuosity from the performer. The piece is notable for its use of unconventional piano techniques, such as glissandos and clusters, which were innovative for their time. Overall, the Scherzo-Fantasie is a significant work in Bartók's early output and demonstrates his unique approach to piano writing and his use of folk music. The piece is a testament to Bartók's innovative spirit and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional classical music.

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