Composer

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Dudley Buck

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Rondo

The Rondo-Caprice for organ, Op. 35, was composed by Dudley Buck, an American composer, organist, and teacher, in 1870. The piece was premiered in the same year at the Boston Music Hall, with Buck himself performing on the organ. The Rondo-Caprice is a single-movement work that is characterized by its virtuosic and showy nature. The piece is written in rondo form, which means that a recurring theme (the "refrain") alternates with contrasting sections (the "episodes"). The piece begins with a lively and energetic refrain that is marked by its use of rapid arpeggios and scale passages. The first episode is more subdued and lyrical, featuring a melody that is played in the upper register of the organ. The second episode is more dramatic and intense, with a driving rhythm and a series of ascending and descending chromatic passages. Throughout the piece, Buck makes use of a variety of organ stops and techniques to create a range of different textures and colors. He also employs a number of technical devices, such as pedal points, trills, and rapid scale passages, to showcase the capabilities of the organ and the performer. Overall, the Rondo-Caprice for organ, Op. 35, is a challenging and impressive work that demonstrates Buck's skill as a composer and his understanding of the capabilities of the organ. Its lively and virtuosic nature has made it a popular choice for organists looking to showcase their technical abilities, and it remains a staple of the organ repertoire to this day.

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