Composer

:

Percy Grainger

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1933 - 1940

Publication Date

:

1941

Average_duration

:

4:29

Percy Grainger's "The Immovable Do" is a solo piano piece composed in 1940. It premiered on May 7, 1943, at the Aeolian Hall in London, with Grainger himself as the pianist. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, "The Lonely Desert-Man Sees the Tents of the Happy Tribes," is marked "slow and dreamy." It begins with a simple melody played in the right hand, accompanied by a repetitive bass line in the left hand. The melody gradually becomes more complex, with the addition of trills and ornaments. The movement ends with a return to the simple melody, played softly and slowly. The second movement, "The Merry King," is marked "fast and gay." It is a lively and playful piece, with a jaunty melody played in the right hand and a bouncy accompaniment in the left hand. The melody is repeated several times, with variations and embellishments added each time. The movement ends with a flourish, as the melody is played in octaves and the accompaniment becomes more frenzied. The third movement, "The Power of Rome and the Christian Heart," is marked "slow and solemn." It is a somber and contemplative piece, with a mournful melody played in the right hand and a simple, repetitive accompaniment in the left hand. The melody is gradually developed and expanded, with the addition of harmonies and counterpoint. The movement ends with a return to the simple melody, played softly and slowly. Overall, "The Immovable Do" is a complex and challenging piece, with a wide range of emotions and moods. It showcases Grainger's skill as a composer and pianist, and is a testament to his unique style and approach to music.

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