Composer

:

Charles-Valentin Alkan

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Requiem

Compose Date

:

1844

Publication Date

:

1846

Average_duration

:

9:32

Marche funèbre, Op. 26 is a composition by Charles-Valentin Alkan, a French composer and pianist of the Romantic era. The piece was composed in 1847 and premiered the same year in Paris. It is a solo piano work and is one of Alkan's most famous compositions. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Lento" and is a funeral march. It begins with a somber melody played in the left hand, while the right hand plays a simple accompaniment. The melody is then repeated with variations, becoming more complex and intense as the movement progresses. The middle section of the movement features a series of chords played in the left hand, while the right hand plays a mournful melody. The movement ends with a return to the original melody, played softly and slowly. The second movement is marked "Allegro" and is a scherzo. It is a stark contrast to the first movement, with a lively and playful melody. The movement is characterized by its rapid arpeggios and virtuosic runs, showcasing Alkan's technical skill as a pianist. The middle section of the movement features a slower, more lyrical melody, before returning to the fast-paced scherzo. The final movement is marked "Tempo di marcia funebre" and is a return to the funeral march of the first movement. It begins with a simple melody played in the left hand, while the right hand plays a series of chords. The melody is then repeated with variations, becoming more complex and intense as the movement progresses. The middle section of the movement features a series of rapid arpeggios and virtuosic runs, before returning to the original melody. The movement ends with a series of chords played in the left hand, while the right hand plays a descending melody, bringing the piece to a somber close. Overall, Marche funèbre, Op. 26 is a powerful and emotional work, showcasing Alkan's technical skill as a pianist and his ability to convey a range of emotions through his music. It is a testament to his status as one of the most important composers of the Romantic era.

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