I'm preparing both of these for Diploma, and I need to talk about the similarities and differences between the 2 pieces.

I'm OK on discussing the "form" of the 2 pieces, and things like rhythm and articulation...........but I struggle to put into words the difference in "feeling" (not even sure if that is the right word??)
Des Abends is so quiet, reassuring and dreamlike - and Aufschwung is "in your face" , if you know what I mean???

Anyone else know these pieces? How do YOU describe the different moods?

Many thanks,
PJ

I know what you mean... if it helps, Aufschwung means 'soaring'. I think it's quite 'in your face' in the way that the first theme is so exciting and dramatic and it suddenly launchees into a more relaxed legato section. It's never particularly sure whether it's major or minor either, although it does start and end in a minor key.

i am doing des abends for my grade 7 .I think des abends is more like a subtle shadow of the latter piece but i see what you mean about the in your face bit,personally i think that is a good description!

Well they are certainly very different.
I think of 'Des Abends' as being sat in the garden of an evening with a glass of wine in my hand. All is peaceful and tranquil, and I have put any difficulties or problems completely out of my head.

'Aufschwung' makes me feel aggressive, but really 'soaring' shouldnt be aggressive. Maybe its a bird soaring into the sky ? (It cant be an aeroplane!). Maybe a kite ??
Usually in Aufschwung I am concentrating too much on the passagework to think too much about the emotions of the piece, but what a terrfic piece it is.
Ah well , just a few thoughts.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Do any of you know the other pieces in the Fantasie collection? Any thoughts on how Des Abends and Aufschwung are typical (or atypical) of the collection?