Composer

:

Ferruccio Busoni

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Chorale Prelude

Compose Date

:

1902

Publication Date

:

1902

First Performance

:

1902

Average_duration

:

17:00

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Ferruccio Busoni's 'Chorale Preludes (6), KiV B50' is a collection of six pieces for solo piano, composed in 1898. The work was premiered in Berlin in 1902, with Busoni himself as the performer. The six movements are based on chorale melodies, which are traditional hymns used in Protestant church services. Busoni's treatment of these melodies is highly original, incorporating elements of Romanticism, Impressionism, and even atonality. The first movement, "Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g'mein," is a lively and joyful piece, with a playful use of syncopation and unexpected harmonies. The second movement, "Herzlich tut mich verlangen," is more introspective, with a haunting melody and a sense of longing. The third movement, "Wie wohl ist mir, o Freund der Seelen," is a virtuosic tour-de-force, with rapid runs and arpeggios that evoke the joy and exuberance of the chorale melody. The fourth movement, "Es ist das Heil uns kommen her," is a more contemplative piece, with a gentle, flowing melody and a sense of peace and serenity. The fifth movement, "Herr Gott, nun schleuß den Himmel auf," is a dramatic and powerful piece, with thundering chords and a sense of urgency and intensity. The final movement, "In dir ist Freude," is a joyful and exuberant piece, with a lively melody and a sense of celebration. Overall, Busoni's 'Chorale Preludes (6), KiV B50' is a highly original and innovative work, showcasing his unique approach to the piano and his ability to blend different musical styles and traditions.

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