Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1970

Average_duration

:

4:16

Morton Feldman's "Madame Press Died Last Week at 90" is a composition for solo piano that was composed in 1970. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The premiere of the piece was given by pianist David Tudor in New York City in 1970. The first movement of "Madame Press Died Last Week at 90" is marked "extremely soft and tranquil" and features a series of delicate, sparse chords that are played at a slow tempo. The second movement is marked "very soft and sustained" and features a series of sustained chords that gradually shift in pitch and timbre. The final movement is marked "soft and sustained" and features a series of slowly evolving chords that are played with a gentle touch. One of the most notable characteristics of "Madame Press Died Last Week at 90" is its use of silence and space. Feldman was known for his interest in exploring the relationship between sound and silence, and this piece is a prime example of his approach. The sparse, delicate chords in the first movement are separated by long pauses, creating a sense of stillness and contemplation. Similarly, the sustained chords in the second and third movements are allowed to ring out and decay slowly, creating a sense of spaciousness and openness. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of repetition and variation. The chords in each movement are repeated and varied in subtle ways, creating a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the piece. However, the variations are often so subtle that they can be difficult to discern, creating a sense of ambiguity and mystery. Overall, "Madame Press Died Last Week at 90" is a haunting and meditative work that showcases Feldman's unique approach to composition. Its use of silence, space, repetition, and variation create a sense of timelessness and introspection that is both captivating and profound.

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