Composer

:

Sigfrid Karg-Elert

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Variations

Compose Date

:

1922

Average_duration

:

16:04

Sigfrid Karg-Elert's "Homage to Handel, 54 studies for organ in variation form on a bass of Handel" is a monumental work for the organ, composed in 1914. The piece was premiered in the same year by the composer himself at the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Germany. The work consists of 54 variations on a bass line taken from Handel's "Harmonious Blacksmith" aria from his Suite No. 5 in E major. Each variation is a study in a different technical aspect of organ playing, ranging from finger dexterity to pedal technique and registration. The variations are grouped into six movements, each containing nine variations. The first movement is marked "Preludio" and features variations that are mostly in a free, improvisatory style. The second movement, "Fuga," contains variations that are more contrapuntal in nature, with a focus on fugue writing. The third movement, "Canzone," features variations that are more lyrical and expressive, with a focus on phrasing and interpretation. The fourth movement, "Scherzo," is marked by its playful and virtuosic variations, with a focus on rapid finger and pedal work. The fifth movement, "Intermezzo," features variations that are more introspective and contemplative, with a focus on color and texture. The final movement, "Toccata," is marked by its grand and triumphant variations, with a focus on full organ registration and powerful pedal writing. Throughout the work, Karg-Elert demonstrates his mastery of the organ and his ability to create a wide range of moods and emotions through his variations. The piece is a testament to his skill as a composer and his deep admiration for Handel's music.

More....