Piano cycle
A piano cycle is a larger, multi-part piano work , consisting of a sequence of individual pieces in mostly free form (in contrast to a suite or sonata ), which are to be played or interpreted as a whole in the order specified by the composer.
In concert operations , a series of solo piano concertos, which can be linked through an overarching theme, is sometimes referred to as a piano cycle.
Some examples of piano cycles are:
- Johann Sebastian Bach : Goldberg Variations
- Ludwig van Beethoven : Diabelli Variations
- Robert Schumann : Papillons op. 2 | Carnaval op.9 | Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13 | Scenes from Children, Op. 15 | Kreisleriana op. 16 | Faschingsschwank from Vienna op. 26 | Forest Scenes op. 82
- Frédéric Chopin : 24 Preludes op. 28 | Etudes op.10 and op.25
- Adolf Jensen : Wanderbilder
- Modest Petrowitsch Mussorgsky : Pictures at an Exhibition
- Claude Debussy : Preludes | Children's Corner
- Maurice Ravel : Miroirs
- Enrique Granados : Goyescas
- Paul Hindemith : Ludus tonalis
- Sergei Rachmaninov : 10 Preludes, op.23 , 13 Preludes, op.32 , 17 Etudes-tableaux op.33 & 39