Composer

:

Ferruccio Busoni

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1916

Publication Date

:

1916

Das Wohltemperierte Klavier: Book II, KiV B25b is a collection of 24 preludes and fugues for keyboard, composed by Ferruccio Busoni. The work was completed in 1918, and premiered in Zurich in 1922. The collection is divided into two books, each containing 24 preludes and fugues in all major and minor keys. Book II, KiV B25b, is the second half of the collection, and features preludes and fugues in keys ranging from C minor to B minor. The preludes in Book II are characterized by their brevity and simplicity, often featuring a single melodic line or chord progression. The fugues, on the other hand, are more complex and intricate, featuring multiple voices and intricate counterpoint. Busoni's approach to the collection was unique in that he sought to create a new system of tuning, which he called the "chromatic scale of twelve tones." This system allowed for greater flexibility in the use of chromaticism, and allowed for a more expressive and nuanced approach to harmony. Overall, Das Wohltemperierte Klavier: Book II, KiV B25b is a masterful collection of keyboard music, showcasing Busoni's innovative approach to harmony and his mastery of counterpoint. Its enduring popularity and influence make it a cornerstone of the keyboard repertoire.

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