Composer

:

Carl Nielsen

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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1930 - 1931

Average_duration

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22:15

Commotio, FS 155, Op. 58 is a composition for organ by Danish composer Carl Nielsen. It was composed in 1930 and premiered on November 19, 1931, in the Frederiksborg Castle Church in Hillerød, Denmark. The piece is divided into two movements and has a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a series of dissonant chords that gradually build in intensity. The organist then introduces a fast and rhythmic theme that is developed throughout the movement. The music is characterized by its driving energy and relentless momentum, with frequent changes in tempo and dynamics. The movement reaches a climax with a series of thunderous chords before gradually subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The second movement, marked Adagio, is more introspective in character. It begins with a mournful melody played on the organ's solo stops, accompanied by gentle harmonies in the pedals. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the introduction of a new theme played on the full organ. The movement is characterized by its rich harmonies and expressive melodies, with frequent use of chromaticism and dissonance. The music reaches a climax with a series of powerful chords before subsiding into a quiet and contemplative coda. Overall, Commotio is a highly virtuosic and challenging work for the organist, requiring a high level of technical skill and musical sensitivity. The piece is notable for its use of dissonance and chromaticism, as well as its innovative use of the organ's tonal resources. It is considered one of Nielsen's most important works for the organ and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of 20th-century organ music.

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