Composer

:

Robert Helps

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Waltz

Average_duration

:

2:06

Robert Helps was an American composer and pianist who was born on March 28, 1928, in Passaic, New Jersey. He was known for his unique style of composition that blended elements of modernism and romanticism. One of his most famous works is the 'Valse Mirage for piano', which was composed in 1979. The 'Valse Mirage for piano' is a single-movement work that is approximately 10 minutes long. It was premiered by Helps himself on April 22, 1979, at the New York Public Library. The piece is characterized by its dreamy and ethereal quality, which is achieved through the use of delicate and intricate harmonies. The piece begins with a slow and melancholic introduction that sets the mood for the rest of the work. The main theme is then introduced, which is a waltz-like melody that is played in the right hand. The left hand provides a delicate accompaniment that adds to the dreamy quality of the piece. As the piece progresses, the harmonies become more complex, and the melody becomes more intricate. The waltz-like rhythm is maintained throughout the piece, but the harmonies and melodies are constantly shifting and evolving. The piece reaches a climax towards the end, with the melody becoming more intense and the harmonies becoming more dissonant. The 'Valse Mirage for piano' is a beautiful and haunting work that showcases Helps' unique style of composition. It is a challenging piece to play, requiring a high level of technical skill and musical sensitivity. The piece has become a staple of the modern piano repertoire and is frequently performed by pianists around the world.

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