Composer

:

Charles-Valentin Alkan

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Etude: Concert

Compose Date

:

1846 - 1857

Publication Date

:

1857

Average_duration

:

5:34

Comme le vent in A minor, Op. 39/1 is a solo piano piece composed by Charles-Valentin Alkan, a French composer and pianist of the Romantic era. The piece was composed in 1844 and premiered in the same year in Paris. Comme le vent in A minor, Op. 39/1 is the first movement of Alkan's Trois Morceaux dans le genre pathétique, Op. 39, which consists of three pieces for solo piano. The title of the piece, Comme le vent, translates to "like the wind" in English, and the piece is characterized by its fast and virtuosic passages, which evoke the image of a gust of wind. The piece begins with a fast and energetic introduction, marked Prestissimo, which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The main theme is then introduced, a fast and flowing melody that is played in the right hand while the left hand provides a driving accompaniment. The theme is then developed and expanded upon, with the left hand taking on a more prominent role and the right hand playing intricate and virtuosic passages. The middle section of the piece, marked Più lento, provides a contrast to the fast and frenetic opening. The tempo slows down and the mood becomes more introspective, with a new melody introduced in the left hand. The right hand then takes over the melody, playing it in a higher register and with more intensity. The section builds to a climax before transitioning back to the main theme. The final section of the piece is a reprise of the main theme, played with even more energy and virtuosity than before. The piece ends with a flourish, bringing the piece to a thrilling conclusion. Comme le vent in A minor, Op. 39/1 is a challenging and technically demanding piece, requiring a high level of skill and dexterity from the performer. It is a prime example of Alkan's virtuosic and innovative style, which was highly influential in the development of Romantic piano music.

More....