Composer

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Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Johann Caspar Ferdinand Fischer's 'Musicalischer Parnassus' is a collection of suites for harpsichord, composed in 1738. The work is divided into four parts, each dedicated to a different mythological figure: Apollo, the Muses, Orpheus, and Arion. The premiere of the work is not known, but it was likely performed in Fischer's lifetime. The first part, dedicated to Apollo, consists of six suites. Each suite is named after a different Greek god or goddess associated with music, such as Terpsichore and Euterpe. The suites are characterized by their lively dance movements, such as the gigue and the minuet, and their use of ornamentation and virtuosic passages. The second part, dedicated to the Muses, consists of seven suites. Each suite is named after a different Muse, such as Calliope and Polyhymnia. The suites are characterized by their use of counterpoint and fugue, as well as their incorporation of French dance forms such as the allemande and the courante. The third part, dedicated to Orpheus, consists of six suites. Each suite is named after a different character from Greek mythology associated with music, such as Amphion and Linus. The suites are characterized by their use of chromaticism and dissonance, as well as their incorporation of Italianate forms such as the sonata and the toccata. The fourth and final part, dedicated to Arion, consists of six suites. Each suite is named after a different sea creature, such as the dolphin and the sea serpent. The suites are characterized by their use of programmatic elements, such as imitations of bird calls and the sound of waves, as well as their incorporation of Spanish dance forms such as the sarabande and the chaconne. Overall, 'Musicalischer Parnassus' is a significant work in the history of keyboard music, showcasing Fischer's mastery of various national styles and his innovative use of programmatic elements.

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