Composer

:

Salvatore Sciarrino

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1985

Average_duration

:

17:07

"Allegoria della notte" is a contemporary classical composition by Italian composer Salvatore Sciarrino. The piece was composed in 1985 and premiered on October 25th of the same year in Rome, Italy. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which explores different aspects of the night. The first movement, "Il canto della notte," is a slow and haunting piece that features a solo violin accompanied by a small ensemble. The second movement, "La danza della notte," is a more lively and rhythmic piece that features a larger ensemble, including strings, woodwinds, and percussion. The final movement, "Il silenzio della notte," is a quiet and introspective piece that features a solo flute accompanied by a small ensemble. One of the defining characteristics of "Allegoria della notte" is its use of extended techniques, particularly in the string and wind sections. Sciarrino often asks the performers to play in unconventional ways, such as using harmonics, glissandos, and other non-traditional techniques. This creates a unique and otherworldly sound that is both haunting and beautiful. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of silence and space. Sciarrino often leaves long pauses between notes and phrases, allowing the music to breathe and creating a sense of tension and anticipation. This use of silence is particularly effective in the final movement, where the solo flute seems to float in and out of the silence like a ghostly presence. Overall, "Allegoria della notte" is a haunting and evocative piece that captures the mystery and beauty of the night. Its use of extended techniques and silence creates a unique and otherworldly sound that is both captivating and unsettling.

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