Hexameron (musical composition)
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Popularly known as "The Hexameron", the Hexaméron, Morceau de concert is a piece for piano composed in 1837. It consists of a statement of and variations on the theme "March of the Puritans" from Bellini's opera I Puritani, together with connecting interludes and a finale. A number of popular composers-performers of the day contributed to the piece, which was commissioned by Princess Belgiojoso: Franz Liszt, Frederic Chopin, Sigismond Thalberg, Henri Herz, Carl Czerny and Johann Peter Pixis. It is possible that the number of composers chosen was deliberate, as the title hexameron also bears the meaning of the six (hex-) days of creation, and there are six composers who contributed to the piece. Liszt ordered the pieces, composed the connecting matter, and is considered to have integrated the piece into an artistic unity.
The Hexameron is divided into nine parts:
- Introduction: Extremement lent (Liszt)
- Tema: Allegro marziale (transcribed by Liszt)
- Variation I: Ben marcato (Thalberg)
- Variation ll: Moderato (Liszt)
- Variation III: di bravura (Pixis) - Ritornello (Liszt)
- Variation IV: Legato e grazioso (Herz)
- Variation V: Vivo e brillante (Czerny) - Fuocoso molto energico; Lento quasi recitativo (Liszt)
- Variation VI: Largo (Chopin) - (coda) (Liszt)
- Finale: Molto vivace quasi prestissimo (Liszt)
The piece has been notably recorded by Raymond Lewenthal among others, and Chopin's nocturne-like variation - which his friend Liszt placed dramatically near the finale, which bears characteristic Lisztian bravura - is especially prized.
