Hexameron (musical composition)
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Hexaméron, Morceau de concert, S.392, is a set of six variations for solo piano elaborately composed by Franz Liszt et al. 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 II: 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)
In addition to the solo piano version, Liszt made arrangements for piano and orchestra (S.365b) and two pianos (S.654).
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.
[edit] External links
- Hexameron was available at the International Music Score Library Project.
