Composer

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Vincent Persichetti

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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1:42

Vincent Persichetti's 'Poems for Piano Vol. 1, Op. 4: No. 2, Soft is the collied night' is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that was composed in 1940. It was premiered in the same year by the composer himself and has since become a popular choice for pianists around the world. The piece is made up of three movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique mood and style. The first movement is marked 'Moderato', and it sets the tone for the entire piece with its gentle, flowing melody and delicate harmonies. The second movement, which is the focus of this analysis, is marked 'Adagio' and is titled 'Soft is the collied night'. This movement is a slow and mournful piece that is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and melancholic melodies. The opening bars of the movement are marked by a series of descending chords that create a sense of sadness and longing. This is followed by a series of arpeggios that rise and fall in a gentle, undulating pattern. As the movement progresses, the melody becomes more complex and the harmonies more dissonant. The pianist is required to play with great sensitivity and nuance, carefully balancing the different elements of the music to create a sense of depth and emotion. One of the most striking features of this movement is the way in which Persichetti uses silence and space to create a sense of tension and release. There are moments when the music seems to hang in the air, suspended in time, before resolving into a new melody or harmony. Overall, 'Soft is the collied night' is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that showcases Persichetti's skill as a composer. Its use of dissonant harmonies and melancholic melodies creates a sense of sadness and longing that is both powerful and moving. It is a piece that requires great skill and sensitivity to perform, but when done well, it can be a truly unforgettable experience for both the performer and the audience.

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