Composer

:

Ernst von Dohnányi

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1923 - 1924

Publication Date

:

1925

First Performance

:

Sep 24, 1924

Average_duration

:

28:14

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Ernst von Dohnányi's 'Ruralia Hungarica (7) for piano, Op. 32a' is a collection of seven pieces for solo piano, composed in 1924. The work was premiered in Budapest in the same year, with Dohnányi himself performing. The seven movements of 'Ruralia Hungarica' are each based on traditional Hungarian folk melodies, which Dohnányi arranged and developed into virtuosic piano pieces. The first movement, 'Allegro moderato', is a lively dance in 2/4 time, featuring syncopated rhythms and rapid runs up and down the keyboard. The second movement, 'Andante', is a slower, more lyrical piece, with a haunting melody that is passed between the hands. The third movement, 'Allegro vivace', is a playful scherzo, with a jaunty theme that is developed through a series of variations. The fourth movement, 'Andante con moto', is a more introspective piece, with a melancholy melody that is accompanied by delicate arpeggios in the left hand. The fifth movement, 'Allegro', is a fiery dance in 6/8 time, with a driving rhythm and virtuosic runs that showcase the pianist's technical skill. The sixth movement, 'Andante', is a gentle, lyrical piece, with a simple melody that is embellished with delicate ornaments and trills. The final movement, 'Allegro vivace', is a lively dance in 2/4 time, with a catchy melody that is passed between the hands. The piece builds to a frenzied climax, with rapid runs and arpeggios that bring the work to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, 'Ruralia Hungarica' is a virtuosic showcase for the pianist, with each movement highlighting a different aspect of Dohnányi's compositional style. The work is characterized by its use of traditional Hungarian folk melodies, which are transformed into complex and challenging piano pieces that are both technically demanding and musically rewarding.

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