Composer

:

Charles-Valentin Alkan

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Etude

Compose Date

:

1844

Publication Date

:

1844

Average_duration

:

6:52

"Le preux, Op. 17" is a piano work composed by Charles-Valentin Alkan, a French composer and pianist of the Romantic era. The piece was composed in 1844 and premiered in the same year in Paris. It is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 10 minutes. The piece is characterized by its virtuosic and technically demanding passages, which showcase Alkan's skill as a pianist. The work is also notable for its use of chromaticism and unconventional harmonies, which were considered avant-garde for the time. The piece is divided into three main sections, each with its own distinct character. The opening section is marked "Allegro," and features a fast and energetic theme that is developed throughout the piece. The middle section is marked "Andante," and is more lyrical and introspective in nature. The final section is marked "Allegro con fuoco," and features a return to the fast and energetic theme of the opening section. Throughout the piece, Alkan employs a variety of pianistic techniques, including rapid octave passages, arpeggios, and intricate fingerwork. The piece also features several moments of dramatic contrast, with sudden shifts in dynamics and tempo. Overall, "Le preux, Op. 17" is a challenging and impressive work that showcases Alkan's skill as both a composer and a pianist. Its technical demands and unconventional harmonies make it a unique and exciting addition to the repertoire of Romantic piano music.

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