Composer

:

Jean Barraqué

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1949

Average_duration

:

03:29

Jean Barraqué's Intermezzo for piano ('Lent') is a composition that was completed in 1950. The piece was premiered in Paris in 1952 by pianist Yvonne Loriod. The Intermezzo is a single movement work that is characterized by its slow and contemplative nature. The piece begins with a series of soft, sustained chords that create a sense of stillness and introspection. The piano then introduces a simple, melancholic melody that is repeated and developed throughout the piece. The melody is often accompanied by sparse, dissonant chords that create a sense of tension and unease. Barraqué's use of harmony is particularly noteworthy in this piece. He employs a highly chromatic language that is characterized by frequent use of dissonance and unconventional chord progressions. The result is a sound that is both complex and hauntingly beautiful. The Intermezzo is also notable for its use of silence. Barraqué frequently employs pauses and rests to create a sense of space and contemplation. These moments of silence are often followed by sudden bursts of sound, which serve to heighten the emotional impact of the piece. Overall, Jean Barraqué's Intermezzo for piano ('Lent') is a powerful and introspective work that showcases the composer's unique approach to harmony and form. Its slow and contemplative nature, combined with its use of dissonance and silence, make it a hauntingly beautiful piece that is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners.

More....