Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Prelude & Fugue

Compose Date

:

1950 - 1951

Average_duration

:

11:07

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Dmitry Shostakovich's Prelude & Fugue No. 24 in D minor, Op. 87/24 is a work for solo piano that was composed in 1951. It is the final piece in a set of 24 preludes and fugues, which were inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier. The set was written over a period of three years, from 1950 to 1951, and was premiered by pianist Tatiana Nikolayeva in Leningrad in 1952. The Prelude & Fugue No. 24 in D minor is divided into two movements, with the prelude serving as an introduction to the fugue. The prelude is marked Allegretto and is characterized by its melancholic and introspective mood. It begins with a simple, descending melody in the right hand, which is accompanied by a repetitive, arpeggiated figure in the left hand. The melody is then developed and expanded upon, with the left hand taking on a more prominent role. The prelude ends with a return to the opening material, but with a more subdued and contemplative tone. The fugue, marked Adagio, is a complex and intricate piece that showcases Shostakovich's mastery of counterpoint. It begins with a somber and mournful theme in the bass, which is then taken up by the other voices in turn. The theme is then subjected to a series of variations and transformations, with each voice contributing to the overall texture of the piece. The fugue builds to a powerful climax, with all four voices converging on the theme in a dense and dissonant chord. The piece then ends with a quiet and introspective coda, which brings the work to a close. Overall, the Prelude & Fugue No. 24 in D minor is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Shostakovich's unique voice as a composer. It is a fitting conclusion to the set of preludes and fugues, and stands as a testament to the enduring influence of Bach's music on composers of all eras.

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