Progetto Martha Argerich

italiano

Works

Leos Janacek

In the Mists

 

Janáček composed the piano cycle In the Mists in 1912. It consists of four pieces and contains all the specific characteristics of the Moravian composer’s late style in its purest form. The themes are of folk origin, but the way Janáček treats them and develops them quickly aims them in a different direction. The opening piece, Andante, in D-flat Major, is in a simple three-part form, and its nuanced, evanescent opening bars almost seem to evoke a Debussy-like atmosphere. The second piece, Molto adagio, also in D-flat Major, likewise begins calmly, but the peaceful atmosphere of the opening bars is often interrupted by sudden starts and nervous contractions – a continuous confounding of emotions. The third piece, Andantino, in G-flat Major, is the shortest of the four; it is delicately lyrical, but with a heated middle section. The cycle ends with a Presto that is almost always in the minor mode, despite the fact that it begins in D-flat Major.

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1. Andante
2. Molto Adagio
3. Andantino
4. Presto

Performers

Performance