Composer

:

George Crumb

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1998

Average_duration

:

9:44

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

'A Dog's World' is a composition for amplified piano and percussion by American composer George Crumb. It was composed in 1998 and premiered on October 17, 1999, at the University of Maryland. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which is inspired by a different breed of dog. The first movement, titled "Barking," is inspired by the sound of a Chihuahua's bark. It features percussive piano playing and a variety of percussion instruments, including bongos, maracas, and a woodblock. The movement is characterized by its frenetic energy and playful, almost cartoonish quality. The second movement, "Pensive Poodle," is a slower, more contemplative piece that reflects the dignified and refined nature of the poodle. The piano part is more melodic and lyrical, while the percussion is more subdued, featuring soft cymbal crashes and gentle mallet strikes. The third movement, "Brutal Bulldog," is a raucous and aggressive piece that captures the bulldog's tough and tenacious personality. The piano part is heavily amplified and distorted, while the percussion features thunderous bass drum hits and crashing cymbals. The final movement, "Airedale," is a joyful and celebratory piece that reflects the playful and loyal nature of the Airedale terrier. The piano part is once again more melodic and lyrical, while the percussion features a variety of instruments, including a tambourine, cowbell, and triangle. Overall, 'A Dog's World' is a playful and inventive composition that showcases Crumb's unique approach to music. By drawing inspiration from the personalities of different dog breeds, he creates a series of distinct and memorable musical portraits that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

More....