Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Piece

Compose Date

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May 1828

Average_duration

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13:27

Franz Schubert's "Allegro for piano, 4 hands in A minor Lebensstürme, D. 947, Op. posth. 144" was composed in 1828, the same year as his famous "Winterreise" song cycle. It was one of his last compositions, and was not published until after his death. The piece is in one movement, and is marked "Lebensstürme" (Storms of Life). It begins with a dramatic and stormy introduction, with both pianists playing in unison. The main theme is then introduced, a melancholy melody in A minor. This theme is developed throughout the piece, with both pianists taking turns playing it and adding their own variations. The middle section of the piece is more lyrical and introspective, with a new theme introduced in the relative major key of C major. This theme is also developed and varied, with both pianists playing off each other and creating a sense of dialogue. The stormy opening theme returns towards the end of the piece, and the music builds to a dramatic climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. Overall, "Lebensstürme" is a powerful and emotional work, reflecting Schubert's own struggles with illness and mortality in his final years. The piece is notable for its use of two pianos, which allows for a greater range of expression and complexity than a single piano would allow. It is also a testament to Schubert's skill as a composer, and his ability to create music that is both technically challenging and emotionally resonant.

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