360 Preludes, Op. 47

The monumental cycle of 360 Preludes in all keys Op. 47 (1817) by J.W. Hassler (1747-1822) is an astonishing work; this opus is among his best compositions. This is the first modern edition of the 360 Preludes-200 years after its publication in Moscow. Ranging from non-discrete chord progressions to fleeting masterpieces prescient of Schumann (the shortest prelude was timed at 3.4 seconds!), interspersed with Haydnesque humor, the preludes are nothing less than the creation of a genius of a very peculiar type. Hassler intended the preludes to fulfill primarily a pedagogical task. Even though the cycle is a true "cycle," rather than a mere collection of unrelated pieces, the individual preludes, especially from the middle, are well suited for individual performance. Another way of performance, sure to delight any audience, is to play them in groups of 15, a key or two at a time. The preludes, together with three additional sonatas, are recorded by Vitlaus von Horn on the Grand Piano label (GP686-87).