Op. 4, No. 18: Prelude in G-sharp minor

This prelude, based on the subject of the 18th fugue from Book 2 of the Well-Tempered Clavier, is beautiful, but with an undercurrent of loss and despair.
At the beginning, It appears to be a conversation between two individuals in the aftermath of some tragic event. There are questions, but each answer seems to elicit yet another question. Another person enters the exchange and the lines become more complex and interweaving with one another as they search for a reason that makes sense, but it continues to elude them. Eventually more join in until it takes on the aura of a chorus singing in almost hymn-like reverence vowing to never let this happen again.
The crowd disperses and we are left with two voices asking the same questions as at the start, but this time there are no answers...only the distant tolling of bells. The piece closes with a feeling of uncertainty and disquietude. The final chord is like a whisper on the breeze of an answer we may never grasp.


https://www.terrenceniska.com
  / terrence-niska-111079737440894  

Terrence Niska - Composer
Michael Swedberg - Pianist
Michael Swedberg - Video Editor