Composer

:

Béla Bartók

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Variations

Compose Date

:

1908 - 1910

Average_duration

:

2:06

Béla Bartók's "Variations: Flew the Peacock, Flew" is a composition for piano, which was composed in 1917. The piece was premiered in Budapest in 1920, with Bartók himself performing. The composition consists of three movements, which are marked as follows: Andante, Allegro molto, and Allegretto. The first movement, Andante, is characterized by a slow and melancholic melody, which is played in the left hand of the piano. The right hand plays a series of arpeggios, which create a sense of tension and anticipation. The movement gradually builds in intensity, with the left hand playing more complex and dissonant chords, while the right hand continues to play the arpeggios. The movement ends with a sudden and unexpected chord, which creates a sense of unresolved tension. The second movement, Allegro molto, is much faster and more energetic than the first. The melody is played in the right hand, while the left hand plays a series of rapid and complex chords. The movement is characterized by its use of syncopation, which creates a sense of rhythmic complexity and unpredictability. The movement ends with a sudden and dramatic chord, which brings the piece to a close. The third movement, Allegretto, is much slower and more contemplative than the second. The melody is played in the left hand, while the right hand plays a series of simple and repetitive chords. The movement is characterized by its use of repetition, which creates a sense of meditative calm. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful chord, which brings the piece to a gentle close. Overall, "Variations: Flew the Peacock, Flew" is a complex and challenging composition, which showcases Bartók's mastery of the piano. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance, syncopation, and repetition, which create a sense of tension, energy, and contemplation. The composition is a testament to Bartók's innovative and experimental approach to music, and remains a popular and influential work in the piano repertoire.

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