Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Publication Date

:

1933

First Performance

:

Nov 1, 1962

Average_duration

:

0:54

Soliloquy, S. 352 is a solo piano piece composed by Charles Ives in 1927. The piece was premiered on March 4, 1928, by John Kirkpatrick at the New School for Social Research in New York City. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked "Slow and expressive," is a lyrical and introspective soliloquy. The second movement, marked "With motion," is more energetic and rhythmic, with a driving pulse and syncopated rhythms. The final movement, marked "Very slow and expressive," returns to the introspective mood of the first movement, with a haunting melody and delicate, impressionistic harmonies. One of the most striking characteristics of Soliloquy is its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. Ives was known for his experimental approach to harmony, and in this piece, he pushes the boundaries of tonality, using clusters of dissonant notes and unexpected chord progressions to create a sense of tension and ambiguity. Another notable feature of Soliloquy is its use of polyrhythms and complex rhythms. The second movement, in particular, features intricate cross-rhythms and syncopated accents, creating a sense of forward momentum and energy. Overall, Soliloquy is a challenging and complex piece that showcases Ives' innovative approach to composition. Its unconventional harmonies and rhythms, combined with its introspective and expressive character, make it a unique and compelling work in the piano repertoire.

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