Composer

:

Ferruccio Busoni

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Waltz

Compose Date

:

1904

Publication Date

:

1904

Average_duration

:

12:31

Ferruccio Busoni's "Mephisto-Waltzer, KiV B61" is a solo piano piece that was composed in 1884. The piece was premiered in Berlin in 1885, and it consists of three movements. The first movement of the "Mephisto-Waltzer" is marked "Allegro vivace," and it begins with a lively and playful melody that is reminiscent of a waltz. The melody is then interrupted by a more sinister and dissonant section, which represents the character of Mephistopheles, the devil from Goethe's "Faust." This section is marked "Presto con fuoco," and it features rapid runs and arpeggios that create a sense of chaos and frenzy. The second movement of the "Mephisto-Waltzer" is marked "Allegretto grazioso," and it is a more subdued and lyrical section that features a beautiful melody in the right hand. The left hand provides a gentle accompaniment, and the overall effect is one of elegance and grace. The third movement of the "Mephisto-Waltzer" is marked "Vivace," and it returns to the playful and energetic character of the first movement. The melody is once again interrupted by the Mephistopheles section, which is even more frenzied and chaotic than before. The piece ends with a flourish, as the melody is played in octaves and the left hand provides a thunderous accompaniment. Overall, the "Mephisto-Waltzer" is a virtuosic and challenging piece that showcases Busoni's technical skill and musical imagination. The use of the Mephistopheles motif adds a dramatic and theatrical element to the piece, and the waltz-like melodies provide a sense of lightness and playfulness.

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