Composer

:

Jehan Alain

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude & Fugue

Compose Date

:

1935

Publication Date

:

1943

First Performance

:

1936

Average_duration

:

6:03

Jehan Alain's Prelude et Fugue, JA 75, 57, AWV 77 is a two-movement work for organ that was composed in 1937. The piece was premiered by the composer himself on May 8, 1938, at the Church of Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet in Paris. The first movement, the Prelude, is marked by its lively and energetic character. It begins with a series of ascending arpeggios that are played in the pedal, which are then echoed by the manuals. The main theme is then introduced, which is characterized by its rhythmic drive and syncopated accents. The theme is developed throughout the movement, with the use of various contrapuntal techniques such as imitation and inversion. The Prelude ends with a virtuosic coda that brings the piece to a thrilling conclusion. The second movement, the Fugue, is a more introspective and contemplative piece. It begins with a solemn and meditative theme that is introduced in the pedal. The theme is then taken up by the manuals, and the fugue subject is established. The fugue is characterized by its intricate counterpoint and the use of chromaticism. The music builds in intensity as the fugue progresses, with the use of various devices such as stretto and augmentation. The Fugue ends with a powerful and majestic coda that brings the piece to a grand conclusion. Overall, Prelude et Fugue, JA 75, 57, AWV 77 is a masterful work that showcases Jehan Alain's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the organ. The piece is characterized by its virtuosity, rhythmic drive, and intricate counterpoint, and it remains a popular work in the organ repertoire to this day.

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