Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Polka

Compose Date

:

Jul 27, 1945 - Aug 28, 1945

Publication Date

:

1946

Average_duration

:

31:58

Movement_count

:

16

Movement ....

Bohuslav Martinu's 'Etudes and Polkas (16)', H. 308, is a collection of sixteen short pieces for piano, composed in 1937. The work was premiered in Paris in 1938 by the pianist Marcelle Meyer. The collection is divided into two parts: the first part consists of ten etudes, while the second part consists of six polkas. The etudes are characterized by their technical demands, with each one focusing on a different aspect of piano technique. The polkas, on the other hand, are more lighthearted and playful, with catchy melodies and rhythmic patterns. The first etude, marked 'Allegro', is a study in rapid fingerwork and features a virtuosic right-hand melody. The second etude, marked 'Andante', is a lyrical piece that focuses on legato playing and phrasing. The third etude, marked 'Allegro', is a study in staccato playing and features a lively, syncopated rhythm. The fourth etude, marked 'Andante', is a slow, expressive piece that focuses on dynamics and touch. The fifth etude, marked 'Allegro', is a study in double notes and features a fast, virtuosic right-hand melody. The sixth etude, marked 'Andante', is a lyrical piece that focuses on chordal playing and voicing. The seventh etude, marked 'Allegro', is a study in octaves and features a lively, syncopated rhythm. The eighth etude, marked 'Andante', is a slow, expressive piece that focuses on phrasing and rubato. The ninth etude, marked 'Allegro', is a study in arpeggios and features a fast, virtuosic right-hand melody. The tenth etude, marked 'Andante', is a lyrical piece that focuses on legato playing and phrasing. The six polkas that make up the second part of the collection are shorter and more playful than the etudes. The first polka, marked 'Allegro', is a lively dance in 2/4 time. The second polka, marked 'Andante', is a slower, more lyrical piece. The third polka, marked 'Allegro', is a fast, virtuosic dance in 3/4 time. The fourth polka, marked 'Andante', is a slow, expressive piece that features a lyrical melody. The fifth polka, marked 'Allegro', is a lively dance in 2/4 time that features a syncopated rhythm. The final polka, marked 'Andante', is a slow, expressive piece that features a lyrical melody. Overall, Martinu's 'Etudes and Polkas (16)', H. 308, is a challenging and rewarding collection of piano pieces that showcases the composer's technical and musical abilities. The etudes are technically demanding, while the polkas are playful and catchy. The collection is a testament to Martinu's skill as a composer and his love for the piano.

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