Composer

:

Ethelbert Nevin

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

2:32

"Narcissus, Op. 13/4" is a solo piano piece composed by Ethelbert Nevin in 1891. It was premiered in the same year and quickly became one of Nevin's most popular works. The piece is part of a larger collection of piano pieces called "Water Scenes," which Nevin composed during his time in Europe. The piece is in the key of G major and is written in a ternary form, with a lyrical and expressive A section followed by a more virtuosic and energetic B section, before returning to the A section. The piece is characterized by its flowing and delicate melody, which is accompanied by arpeggiated chords in the left hand. The B section features a more complex and intricate melody, with rapid runs and arpeggios in both hands. The title of the piece refers to the Greek myth of Narcissus, a beautiful youth who falls in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and eventually dies from his obsession. The piece captures the dreamy and introspective quality of the myth, with its gentle and reflective melody. The virtuosic B section can be seen as a representation of Narcissus's obsession and eventual downfall. Overall, "Narcissus, Op. 13/4" is a beautiful and evocative piano piece that showcases Nevin's skill as a composer. Its popularity has endured over the years, and it remains a beloved piece in the piano repertoire.

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