Composer

:

Charles-Valentin Alkan

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1866

Publication Date

:

1866

Average_duration

:

52:16

Movement_count

:

13

Movement ....

Charles-Valentin Alkan's 'Prières (13), Op. 64' is a collection of thirteen pieces for solo piano, composed in 1864. The work was premiered in Paris in the same year, with Alkan himself performing. The thirteen movements of 'Prières' are each titled with a prayer or religious sentiment, such as 'Prière pour demander la consolation divine' (Prayer for seeking divine consolation) and 'Prière pour obtenir la joie céleste' (Prayer for obtaining heavenly joy). The pieces range in length from just over a minute to nearly ten minutes, and are written in a variety of keys and tempos. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Prières' is its intense emotional depth. Alkan's music is often highly expressive, and in 'Prières' he explores a range of moods and feelings, from sorrow and despair to hope and joy. The pieces are also notable for their technical demands, with many featuring complex figurations and rapid passagework. Despite its religious themes, 'Prières' is not a work of conventional piety. Alkan was known for his unconventional approach to music, and his religious beliefs were similarly idiosyncratic. The pieces in 'Prières' are often highly personal, reflecting Alkan's own struggles and doubts as much as any conventional religious sentiment. Overall, 'Prières (13), Op. 64' is a powerful and deeply moving work, showcasing Alkan's unique voice as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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