Composer

:

Anton Rubinstein

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Fantasy

Compose Date

:

1854

Publication Date

:

before 1856

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Anton Rubinstein's 'The Ball, fantasy in 10 numbers, Op. 14' is a piano composition that was composed in 1855. The piece premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia, on December 9, 1855, with Rubinstein himself performing. The composition consists of ten movements, each of which represents a different aspect of a ball. The first movement, titled "Entrance," sets the scene for the ball with a grand and majestic introduction. The second movement, "Waltz," is a lively and elegant dance that captures the spirit of the ballroom. The third movement, "Mazurka," is a traditional Polish dance that is characterized by its lively tempo and syncopated rhythms. The fourth movement, "Polonaise," is a stately dance that was popular in the courts of Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. The fifth movement, "Galop," is a fast-paced dance that is often used to close out a ball. The sixth movement, "Quadrille," is a dance that was popular in the 19th century and is characterized by its intricate patterns and formations. The seventh movement, "Ländler," is a folk dance that originated in Austria and is characterized by its lively tempo and syncopated rhythms. The eighth movement, "Bourrée," is a French dance that was popular in the 17th and 18th centuries and is characterized by its quick tempo and lively rhythms. The ninth movement, "Tarantella," is an Italian dance that is characterized by its fast tempo and frenzied rhythms. The final movement, "Finale," brings the composition to a close with a grand and majestic flourish. Throughout the composition, Rubinstein showcases his virtuosic piano skills, with intricate and complex passages that require great technical skill and dexterity. Overall, 'The Ball, fantasy in 10 numbers, Op. 14' is a masterful composition that captures the spirit and energy of a ball. With its lively rhythms, intricate patterns, and virtuosic piano passages, it remains a popular and beloved piece in the classical piano repertoire.

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