Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1856

Publication Date

:

1970

Average_duration

:

12:56

Franz Liszt's 'Präludium und Fuge über das Motiv B.A.C.H., S. 529/1' is a monumental work for solo organ, composed in 1855. The piece is based on the famous musical motif B-A-C-H, which is derived from the notes B-flat, A, C, and B-natural. This motif was used by many composers as a tribute to Johann Sebastian Bach, and Liszt's work is one of the most significant examples of this tradition. The 'Präludium und Fuge über das Motiv B.A.C.H.' is divided into two movements: a prelude and a fugue. The prelude is marked by a grand and majestic character, with a powerful and virtuosic organ writing. The piece begins with a statement of the B-A-C-H motif, which is then developed and transformed throughout the prelude. The music is characterized by a rich harmonic language, with chromaticism and modulations that create a sense of tension and drama. The prelude reaches a climax with a massive pedal point, followed by a virtuosic cadenza that leads into the fugue. The fugue is a complex and intricate contrapuntal work, with a dense and intricate texture. The B-A-C-H motif is used as the main subject of the fugue, and it is presented in various forms and permutations throughout the piece. The fugue is characterized by a continuous development of the musical material, with a constant interplay between the different voices. The music is marked by a sense of urgency and intensity, with a relentless drive towards the final cadence. The 'Präludium und Fuge über das Motiv B.A.C.H.' is a masterpiece of organ music, and it showcases Liszt's virtuosity and mastery of the instrument. The piece is also a tribute to Bach's legacy, and it demonstrates Liszt's deep admiration for the German composer. The work was premiered by Liszt himself in 1856, and it has since become a staple of the organ repertoire.

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