Composer

:

Charles Tomlinson Griffes

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

Jun 16, 1915

Publication Date

:

1972

First Performance

:

May 4, 1964

Average_duration

:

2:57

"Legend in F sharp minor, A. 79" is a solo piano piece composed by Charles Tomlinson Griffes in 1917. The piece was premiered on January 23, 1918, by pianist E. Robert Schmitz at the Aeolian Hall in New York City. The piece is divided into three movements: 1. Molto rubato - This movement begins with a slow and expressive melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chord progression in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with slight variations, and the left hand becomes more active with arpeggios and broken chords. The movement ends with a return to the original melody, played softly and slowly. 2. Allegretto - This movement is more lively and playful than the first. It begins with a staccato melody in the right hand, accompanied by a syncopated rhythm in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with variations, and the left hand becomes more complex with rapid arpeggios and chords. The movement ends with a return to the original melody, played with a light touch. 3. Lento - This movement is the most introspective and melancholic of the three. It begins with a slow and mournful melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple chord progression in the left hand. The melody is then repeated with variations, and the left hand becomes more active with arpeggios and broken chords. The movement ends with a return to the original melody, played softly and slowly. The piece is characterized by its use of impressionistic harmonies and textures, as well as its expressive melodies and use of rubato. Griffes was influenced by the music of Debussy and Ravel, and this is evident in the piece's use of whole-tone scales and modal harmonies. The piece also showcases Griffes' virtuosic piano writing, with its rapid arpeggios and complex chord progressions. Overall, "Legend in F sharp minor, A. 79" is a beautiful and expressive piece of music that showcases Griffes' unique style and virtuosic piano writing.

More....