Composer

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Viktor Poltoratsky

Genre

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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1967

Viktor Poltoratsky's "Preludes and Fugues (24), Op. 16" is a collection of 24 pieces for solo piano, composed in 1961. The work was premiered in Moscow in the same year, and has since become a staple of the piano repertoire. The collection is divided into two parts, with 12 preludes and 12 fugues in each. The preludes are short, improvisatory pieces that serve as introductions to the more structured fugues that follow. The fugues are written in a variety of styles, ranging from strict counterpoint to more free-flowing, improvisational passages. One of the defining characteristics of Poltoratsky's "Preludes and Fugues" is its use of tonality. While the pieces are largely tonal, Poltoratsky frequently employs chromaticism and dissonance to create tension and interest. The collection also features a wide range of textures, from sparse, delicate passages to dense, virtuosic sections. Another notable aspect of the work is its use of folk melodies and rhythms. Poltoratsky was deeply influenced by the music of his native Ukraine, and many of the pieces in the collection incorporate Ukrainian folk elements. This gives the work a unique flavor and sets it apart from other collections of preludes and fugues. Overall, Poltoratsky's "Preludes and Fugues (24), Op. 16" is a masterful collection of piano music that showcases the composer's skill and creativity. Its combination of tonality, texture, and folk elements make it a fascinating and rewarding work for both performers and listeners.

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