Composer

:

Ferruccio Busoni

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1915

Publication Date

:

1916

Average_duration

:

4:24

Ferruccio Busoni's "Etude No. 3 after Paganini: La Campanella, in G sharp minor, KiV B68" is a virtuosic piano piece that was composed in 1912. The piece is based on the third movement of Niccolò Paganini's Violin Concerto No. 2 in B minor, which is known as "La Campanella" (The Little Bell). The piece premiered in Berlin on December 15, 1912, with Busoni himself performing. The etude is divided into three movements, with the first and third movements being based on Paganini's original composition, while the second movement is a free improvisation by Busoni. The first movement of the etude is marked "Andante" and is characterized by its lyrical melody and delicate ornamentation. Busoni's arrangement for piano retains the original violin part, but adds a complex accompaniment that requires great technical skill from the performer. The second movement, marked "Allegretto," is a free improvisation by Busoni that contrasts with the first and third movements. It is characterized by its playful and whimsical nature, with the performer required to execute rapid runs and arpeggios. The third movement, marked "Vivace," is a virtuosic tour de force that showcases the performer's technical prowess. Busoni's arrangement for piano retains the original violin part, but adds a complex accompaniment that requires great dexterity and speed from the performer. The movement is characterized by its rapid runs, trills, and arpeggios, as well as its use of octaves and double octaves. Overall, Busoni's "Etude No. 3 after Paganini: La Campanella, in G sharp minor, KiV B68" is a challenging and impressive piece that requires great technical skill from the performer. Its use of Paganini's original composition, as well as Busoni's own improvisation, creates a unique and dynamic work that continues to be performed and admired by pianists today.

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