Composer

:

Eugène Ysaÿe

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

3:05

Eugène Ysaÿe's "Obsession" is a solo violin work that was composed in 1921. It was premiered by Ysaÿe himself in Brussels on January 22, 1924. The piece is divided into five movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and style. The first movement, marked "Prélude," is slow and contemplative. It features long, sustained notes and a melancholy melody that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement, "Malinconia," is more agitated and intense. It features rapid, virtuosic passages and sudden shifts in dynamics. The third movement, "Danse des ombres," is a haunting, ghostly dance. It features eerie harmonics and a sense of unease that builds throughout the movement. The fourth movement, "Les furies," is the most frenzied and intense of the five. It features rapid, aggressive bowing and a sense of chaos and madness. The final movement, "Berceuse," is a lullaby that brings the piece to a peaceful, gentle close. It features a simple, soothing melody and a sense of resolution after the tumultuous journey of the previous movements. Overall, "Obsession" is a challenging and complex work that showcases the technical and emotional range of the solo violin. It is characterized by its intense, passionate mood and its use of virtuosic techniques such as double stops, harmonics, and rapid bowing. The piece is a testament to Ysaÿe's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the violin as an instrument.

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