Composer

:

Samuel Barber

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1942 - 1944

Average_duration

:

12:55

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Samuel Barber's 'Excursions (4), Op. 20' is a set of four solo piano pieces composed in 1942. The work was premiered by Vladimir Horowitz in 1944 and has since become a staple of the piano repertoire. The first movement, marked "Un poco allegro," is a lively and rhythmic piece in 2/4 time. It features syncopated rhythms and a playful melody that is passed between the hands. The middle section of the movement is more lyrical and introspective, with a slower tempo and a more legato melody. The second movement, marked "In slow blues tempo," is a sultry and bluesy piece in 3/4 time. It features a slow and mournful melody that is accompanied by a walking bass line in the left hand. The middle section of the movement is more improvisatory, with the melody becoming more fragmented and dissonant. The third movement, marked "Allegretto," is a light and playful piece in 6/8 time. It features a bouncy and syncopated melody that is passed between the hands. The middle section of the movement is more lyrical and introspective, with a slower tempo and a more legato melody. The fourth and final movement, marked "Allegro molto," is a fast and frenetic piece in 2/4 time. It features a virtuosic and technically demanding melody that is passed between the hands. The middle section of the movement is more subdued, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative melody. Overall, 'Excursions (4), Op. 20' is a diverse and engaging set of piano pieces that showcases Barber's skill as a composer and his ability to incorporate a variety of musical styles and influences into his work.

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