Sergei Taneyev ‒ Prelude and Fugue, Op.29

Sergei Taneyev (1856 - 1915), Prelude and Fugue in G-Sharp Minor, Op. 29 (1910)

Performed by Lilya Zilberstein

00:00 - Prelude, Andante
03:45 - Fugue, Allegro vivace e con fuoco

The Prelude and Fugue in G sharp minor is the only work for solo piano to which Taneyev gave an opus number. It is a culmination of his life-long research into early music and counterpoint, and its chromaticism and polyphonic textures are elements of his mature style. The work was written in memory of the composer’s nurse, Pelageya Vasil’yevna Chizhova, who had looked after Taneyev since his birth, and did not leave his side until her own death. When she died, Taneyev mourned her ‘with real tears’, as Tolstoy’s wife Sophya wrote in her diary. These tears and emotions are embodied in the melancholy and pensive Prelude that resembles Chopin’s nocturnes, and thereby pays homage to a composer Taneyev greatly admired. The fiery, agitated Fugue is a complex polyphonic work that clearly demonstrates why Tchaikovsky, the critic Laroche, and many others after them, thought Taneyev to be the greatest contrapuntal master in Russia. The masterful, well-crafted Prelude and Fugue is considered to be the best example of Taneyev’s writing for solo piano. It is also significant because it is the only representative of the genre until Zaderatsky and Shostakovich wrote their collections of preludes and fugues later in the century.

[adlfm]

Geez, this is one of the most brutally awesome compositions I've heard in a while.

[vova]

Taneev - a master composer. Lilya - a master pianist. Bravo!

[Benjamin-bqtc]

I've been a classical musician for years, and I am only now discovering Taneyev, thanks to his treatise on counterpoint. My education is lacking, but I'm trying to rectify that. Although his style is very different, may I also recommend Myaskovky, especially the 12th Symphony, 1st piano sonata, and violin concerto.

[winston]

2:18 and 6:17 send chills up the spine!

[gerardbegni]

This prelude and fugue is a masterpiece which deserves to be drawn off the darkness in which it lies misrbly.

[ojohnoho]

What an extraordinary piece! Wonderfully played, too. Taneyev wrote some amazing music which should be heard.

[winston]

KEEP HANDS AND FEET CLEAR OF ALL MOVING PARTS! I can imagine a piano bursting into flames during a performance of this!

[LM-ozsc]

Insanely difficult and beautiful piano piece

[ChrisBreemer]

Totally badass music making, both by composer and performer :) It reminds me of Hamelin's last etude "Prelude and Fugue" and I cannot help wondering whether Hamelin had Taneyev's piece in mind when he wrote his.

[EggMCMUFFIN-el]

Crazy counterpoint work. He wrote this at around 54 years old!

[LouisWaltersSouthAfrica]

A really great work. Thanks for posting it.

[deadman_]

let me say, it's almost Congenially, because I'm not so good musician to say, It's obviously Congenial, but I'm so unfear to say about so great musician pianist - I just can say like a hearer - This performance is about frost on the skin - It's
awesome! I rehear It again and again - Exactly this performance

[GeorgeZwierzchowskipianomusic]

its as though scriabn mind melded with Bach.

[gwilymprice]

I'm not the biggest fan of the interpretation of the prélude (not enough dynamic or emotional contrast, in my opinion), but the fugue is incredible.

[denisdavidoff]

Really complex piece of music. If jazz is music for musicians, than this piece is just for composers.

[Queeenq]

Van Cliburn should learn this in several days when he came to Tchaikovsky Competition in 1958.

[luisfernandotapia]

God. Why can my teacher just give me some Phillip Glass or Poulenc. Preparing myself for this

[abbalillie]

Played this reasonably loud...a very good if not great work.

[MrStrav]

She pretty much ignores the dynamic markings in the Fugue.

[winston]

WARNING: KEEP HANDS AND FEET CLEAR OF ALL MOVING PARTS