Composer

:

Joachim Raff

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Etude

Average_duration

:

4:07

Joachim Raff's 'Etude for piano La Fileuse, Op. 157/2' was composed in 1874. It premiered in the same year in Frankfurt, Germany. The piece is part of a set of six etudes for piano, Op. 157, which Raff composed towards the end of his life. 'La Fileuse' is the second etude in the set and is characterized by its spinning-wheel-like motif that runs throughout the piece. The etude is in the key of A-flat major and is marked 'Allegro con moto'. The piece is in ternary form, with a lively and energetic outer section that contrasts with a more lyrical and introspective middle section. The spinning-wheel motif is introduced at the beginning of the piece and is developed throughout, with variations in rhythm, dynamics, and texture. The left hand provides a steady accompaniment, while the right hand plays the spinning-wheel motif in various registers and with different articulations. The middle section of the piece provides a contrast to the spinning-wheel motif, with a more lyrical and expressive melody in the right hand accompanied by arpeggiated chords in the left hand. Overall, 'La Fileuse' is a virtuosic and challenging piece for the pianist, requiring technical skill and precision in executing the spinning-wheel motif and the various other technical challenges presented in the piece. At the same time, the piece is also musically engaging and expressive, with a clear sense of structure and development.

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