Composer

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William Bolcom

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Average_duration

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5:48

"The Serpent's Kiss" is a composition for solo piano by American composer William Bolcom. It was composed in 1997 and premiered on October 26, 1997, by pianist Marc-André Hamelin at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, titled "The Garden of Eden," is slow and contemplative, with a lyrical melody that evokes the peacefulness of the biblical paradise. The second movement, "The Temptation," is much more frenetic and dissonant, with jagged rhythms and angular melodies that suggest the chaos and confusion of temptation. The final movement, "The Fall," is a mournful and introspective piece that reflects on the consequences of giving in to temptation. Overall, "The Serpent's Kiss" is a complex and challenging work that showcases Bolcom's mastery of the piano. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, as well as its intricate rhythms and virtuosic passages. Despite its difficulty, however, the piece is also deeply expressive and emotionally resonant, with a sense of drama and narrative that draws the listener in and holds their attention throughout.

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