Composer

:

Amy Beach

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1898

Publication Date

:

1898

First Performance

:

Apr 2, 1898

Average_duration

:

8:59

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Amy Beach's 'Pieces (3) for violin & piano, Op. 40' is a collection of three pieces composed in 1892. The pieces were premiered on January 25, 1893, at a concert in Boston, where Beach herself played the piano part, and the violin was played by Maud Powell. The three movements are titled 'La Captive', 'Invocation', and 'Gaelic Symphony'. The first movement, 'La Captive', is a slow and melancholic piece that is based on a poem by Victor Hugo. The violin plays a mournful melody that is accompanied by the piano, which provides a rich and harmonious background. The piece is characterized by its use of chromaticism and its expressive use of dynamics. The second movement, 'Invocation', is a short and lyrical piece that is based on a poem by Longfellow. The violin plays a simple and beautiful melody that is accompanied by the piano, which provides a delicate and flowing accompaniment. The piece is characterized by its use of arpeggios and its gentle and peaceful mood. The third movement, 'Gaelic Symphony', is a lively and energetic piece that is based on traditional Irish melodies. The violin and piano play together in a fast and rhythmic manner, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. The piece is characterized by its use of syncopation and its lively and spirited mood. Overall, 'Pieces (3) for violin & piano, Op. 40' is a beautiful and expressive collection of pieces that showcases Amy Beach's skill as a composer. The pieces are characterized by their use of melody, harmony, and rhythm, and they demonstrate Beach's ability to create music that is both emotional and technically challenging.

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