Composer

:

Wilhelm Kempff

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

before 1936

Average_duration

:

4:50

'Wachet auf! ruft uns die Stimme (after Bach, BWV 645)' is a piano transcription of a chorale prelude by Johann Sebastian Bach, composed by Wilhelm Kempff. The piece was composed in the 20th century and premiered in 1951. The piece consists of three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is marked "Ziemlich langsam" (quite slow) and is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody in the right hand, accompanied by a simple, repetitive pattern in the left hand. The second movement is marked "Lebhaft" (lively) and features a more complex, virtuosic piano part, with rapid runs and arpeggios. The final movement is marked "Ruhig bewegt" (calmly moving) and returns to the gentle, flowing melody of the first movement, but with added ornamentation and embellishment. Overall, the piece is a faithful transcription of Bach's original chorale prelude, but with added flourishes and embellishments that showcase Kempff's virtuosic piano technique. The piece is notable for its use of counterpoint and its intricate harmonies, which are characteristic of Bach's music.

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