Danaë Xanthe Vlasse composer
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  • Selected Music
    • Selected Piano Works >
      • Early Lev: Valse #1
      • Early Lev: Valse #2
      • Inter Level: The Golden Lyra
      • Inter Lev: Nocturne #1
      • Inter Lev: Nocturne #2
      • Early Adv. Lev: Nocturne #3
      • Inter Lev: Nocturne Pour Caline
      • Inter Level Duet: Sonata for 4 hands
      • Late Inter Lev: Prelude #2
      • Selected Vocal Works >
        • Neptune
        • Reverie
        • The Lady of Shalott
      • Inter Lev: Prelude #3
      • Adv Lev: Prelude #1
      • Advanced Level: Fantaisie #1
      • Advanced Level: Fantaisie #2
      • Advanced Level: Fantaisie #3
      • Adv Lev: Intermezzo D'Anniversaire
      • Adv Lev: Rhapsodie D'Anniversaire
      • Adv Lev: Sonata in f# minor
    • Selected Chamber Works >
      • Rainbow Nebulae (Choral work)
      • Compassion (Choir & 2 Sopranos)
      • Nocturne Pour Caline (String Quartet & Soprano)
      • Nocturne Pour Caline (Violin&Piano)
    • Purchase Scores

Prélude #1

Listen to this piece on Spotify.

Prélude #1 by Danaë Xanthe Vlasse

For Advanced-Level pianist, approximately 4’14 min long.

Program Notes :

This first Prelude was inspired by a particular theme on two notes “C & A” and it explores a vast emotional arc around this theme. The extreme simplicity of the two “thematic C & A” notes is contrasted by rich, flowing harmonies. The theme develops in the middle section by extending the original idea into a longer secondary melody, and in the final section of the piece the theme is then layered against a “twinkling” countermelody. The piece is shaped emotionally with an arc of dramatic growth which peaks with passion in the center of the work, and is surrounded (at the opening and again at the end) by tenderness and reflection.

The wonderful technical challenge for the pianist is found in the frequent hand crossing of the arpeggios, as well as in the voicing challenge of carrying the development of the melodies through the thick texture in the middle of the piece. There are many opportunities to explore the use of advanced pedaling techniques (shallow pedal depths and partial clearing), tempo rubato, and to shape phrases with Romantic abandon – thus allowing each performer much room for personal expression! Listeners are quick to enjoy this relatively short yet ‘mature’ work full of emotional colors!




Many of Mrs. Vlasse's compositions are published by bpr music. Contact the composer to obtain scores for anything not sold through bpr music. 
Copyrighted Material: All Photos, Music, and other content on this website is the exclusive property of Danae Vlasse; any unauthorized use constitutes copyright infringement. 
Photo used under Creative Commons from KJGarbutt
  • About
    • Reviews & Awards
    • Summary C.V.
  • ALBUMS
    • Poeme >
      • Poeme Lyrics
      • Behind The Scenes
    • MYTHOLOGIES >
      • MYTHOLOGIES, Artists
      • Digital Booklet
  • Contact
    • Commissions
  • Press/Media: EPK
  • Interviews
  • Performances
  • VIDEOS
  • Selected Music
    • Selected Piano Works >
      • Early Lev: Valse #1
      • Early Lev: Valse #2
      • Inter Level: The Golden Lyra
      • Inter Lev: Nocturne #1
      • Inter Lev: Nocturne #2
      • Early Adv. Lev: Nocturne #3
      • Inter Lev: Nocturne Pour Caline
      • Inter Level Duet: Sonata for 4 hands
      • Late Inter Lev: Prelude #2
      • Selected Vocal Works >
        • Neptune
        • Reverie
        • The Lady of Shalott
      • Inter Lev: Prelude #3
      • Adv Lev: Prelude #1
      • Advanced Level: Fantaisie #1
      • Advanced Level: Fantaisie #2
      • Advanced Level: Fantaisie #3
      • Adv Lev: Intermezzo D'Anniversaire
      • Adv Lev: Rhapsodie D'Anniversaire
      • Adv Lev: Sonata in f# minor
    • Selected Chamber Works >
      • Rainbow Nebulae (Choral work)
      • Compassion (Choir & 2 Sopranos)
      • Nocturne Pour Caline (String Quartet & Soprano)
      • Nocturne Pour Caline (Violin&Piano)
    • Purchase Scores