Composer

:

John Corigliano

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1971

First Performance

:

Jan 20, 1973

Average_duration

:

2:50

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

"A Black November Turkey" is a composition by American composer John Corigliano. It was composed in 1968 and premiered on November 22, 1968, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. The piece is a single movement work and has a duration of approximately 10 minutes. The composition is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and unconventional orchestration. Corigliano employs a wide range of percussion instruments, including maracas, tambourine, and wood blocks, to create a sense of rhythmic complexity and intensity. The piece also features a prominent solo for the bassoon, which is used to convey a sense of melancholy and introspection. The title of the piece is a reference to the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which takes place in November. However, the composition is not a celebratory work, but rather a reflection on the darker aspects of the holiday season. The dissonant harmonies and unconventional orchestration are used to convey a sense of unease and tension, while the bassoon solo adds a sense of introspection and melancholy. Overall, "A Black November Turkey" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Corigliano's skill as a composer. Its use of unconventional orchestration and dissonant harmonies make it a challenging piece for performers, but also a rewarding one for audiences who are willing to engage with its complex and nuanced musical language.

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