Composer

:

William Bolcom

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Prelude

Movement_count

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12

Movement ....

Gospel Preludes (12) is a collection of piano pieces composed by William Bolcom. The work was composed in 1984 and premiered the same year by pianist Ursula Oppens. The collection consists of twelve movements, each based on a different gospel hymn. The first movement, "Free Fantasia on 'O Zion, Haste,'" is a lively and energetic piece that features syncopated rhythms and virtuosic runs. The second movement, "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," is a more contemplative piece that features a simple, hymn-like melody. The third movement, "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen," is a bluesy piece that features a slow, mournful melody and a walking bass line. The fourth movement, "Just a Closer Walk with Thee," is a lively and upbeat piece that features a swinging rhythm and a catchy melody. The fifth movement, "Blessed Assurance," is a gentle and peaceful piece that features a simple, flowing melody. The sixth movement, "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" is a haunting and atmospheric piece that features a sparse, dissonant melody. The seventh movement, "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," is a lively and upbeat piece that features a swinging rhythm and a catchy melody. The eighth movement, "Go Down, Moses," is a powerful and dramatic piece that features a driving rhythm and a soaring melody. The ninth movement, "Precious Lord, Take My Hand," is a gentle and contemplative piece that features a simple, hymn-like melody. The tenth movement, "Deep River," is a slow and mournful piece that features a simple, flowing melody. The eleventh movement, "Steal Away," is a gentle and peaceful piece that features a simple, flowing melody. The twelfth and final movement, "When the Saints Go Marching In," is a lively and upbeat piece that features a swinging rhythm and a catchy melody. Overall, Gospel Preludes (12) is a diverse and engaging collection of piano pieces that showcases Bolcom's skill as a composer and his deep appreciation for gospel music. The pieces range from lively and upbeat to contemplative and mournful, and each one captures the spirit and essence of the gospel hymn on which it is based.

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