Composer

:

Nikolay Medtner

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1909

Average_duration

:

6:50

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Nikolay Medtner's 'Fairy Tales (Skazki) (2) for piano, Op. 20' is a set of two pieces composed in 1910. The premiere of the work took place in Moscow in the same year. The two movements are titled 'Fairy Tale in C minor' and 'Fairy Tale in A minor'. The first movement, 'Fairy Tale in C minor', is marked Allegro con moto and is in sonata form. The piece begins with a melancholic and mysterious theme in the left hand, which is then taken up by the right hand. The theme is developed throughout the movement, with the use of chromaticism and unexpected harmonic shifts. The middle section of the movement is more lyrical and features a new theme in the major key. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme, which is now transformed and developed. The second movement, 'Fairy Tale in A minor', is marked Andantino and is in ternary form. The piece begins with a gentle and delicate melody in the right hand, accompanied by a flowing arpeggio in the left hand. The middle section of the movement is more dramatic and features a new theme in the major key. The movement ends with a return to the opening theme, which is now embellished and ornamented. Medtner's 'Fairy Tales' are characterized by their use of folk-like melodies and harmonies, as well as their intricate and complex structures. The pieces are also notable for their use of counterpoint and polyphony, which are hallmarks of Medtner's style. The 'Fairy Tales' are considered to be among Medtner's most popular and accessible works, and are frequently performed by pianists around the world.

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