Composer

:

John Ireland

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1895 - 1941

Average_duration

:

7:08

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

John Ireland's "In Those Days Daydream; Meridian" is a piano suite composed in 1951. The piece was premiered on May 22, 1951, at the Wigmore Hall in London, with the composer himself at the piano. The suite consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "In Those Days," is marked "Moderato con moto" and is characterized by a dreamy, nostalgic quality. The piece opens with a gentle, flowing melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple, repetitive pattern in the left. As the movement progresses, the melody becomes more complex and expressive, with occasional bursts of virtuosity in the right hand. The overall effect is one of wistful reminiscence, as if the composer is looking back on a happy time in his life. The second movement, "Daydream," is marked "Andante con moto" and is more introspective in character. The piece opens with a series of soft, delicate chords in the right hand, accompanied by a simple, repetitive pattern in the left. As the movement progresses, the chords become more complex and dissonant, creating a sense of tension and unease. The middle section of the movement features a more lyrical melody, but the overall mood remains introspective and melancholy. The final movement, "Meridian," is marked "Allegro con fuoco" and is the most energetic and virtuosic of the three. The piece opens with a series of rapid, cascading arpeggios in the right hand, accompanied by a driving rhythm in the left. As the movement progresses, the melody becomes more complex and virtuosic, with frequent shifts in tempo and dynamics. The overall effect is one of excitement and energy, as if the composer is celebrating the joys of life. Overall, "In Those Days Daydream; Meridian" is a beautiful and evocative piano suite that showcases John Ireland's skill as a composer and pianist. The three movements each have their own distinct character and mood, but together they create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

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