Composer

:

Vincent Persichetti

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

2:26

Vincent Persichetti's "Poems for Piano Vol. 3, Op. 14: No. 5, Each gay dunce shall lend a hand" is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1949. The piece was premiered on March 6, 1950, by the composer himself at the Juilliard School in New York City. The piece is part of a larger collection of piano works titled "Poems for Piano," which consists of three volumes. Each volume contains a set of short pieces that are inspired by various literary works, including poems, novels, and plays. "Each gay dunce shall lend a hand" is the fifth and final piece in the third volume of "Poems for Piano." The title is taken from a line in Alexander Pope's poem "An Essay on Criticism," which reads, "Each gay dunce shall lend a hand to thee." The piece is characterized by its lively and playful nature, with a fast tempo and a light, bouncy rhythm. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a jaunty, almost circus-like quality. The piece is also marked by sudden shifts in dynamics and tempo, adding to its whimsical and unpredictable nature. Despite its lightheartedness, the piece also contains moments of complexity and dissonance, with unexpected harmonies and jarring chord progressions. These moments add a sense of tension and drama to the piece, balancing out its more playful elements. Overall, "Each gay dunce shall lend a hand" is a charming and entertaining piece that showcases Persichetti's skill as a composer and pianist. Its combination of humor, virtuosity, and musical sophistication make it a standout work in the "Poems for Piano" collection.

More....