Composer

:

Alfred Schnittke

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Canon

Compose Date

:

1971

Average_duration

:

5:24

Alfred Schnittke's 'Canon in Memoriam Igor Stravinsky' is a tribute to the great Russian composer who passed away in 1971. Schnittke composed this piece in 1972, a year after Stravinsky's death. The piece was premiered in Moscow in 1972, and it is a part of Schnittke's larger work, 'Concerto Grosso No. 1'. The 'Canon in Memoriam Igor Stravinsky' is a short piece, lasting only about two minutes. It is a canon, which means that the same melody is repeated by different instruments at different times, creating a layered effect. The piece is written for string orchestra, and it is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked 'Lento', which means slow. It begins with a mournful melody played by the violins, which is then repeated by the cellos and basses. The melody is simple and haunting, and it sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement is marked 'Allegro', which means fast. It is a more lively and energetic movement, with the same melody played at a faster tempo. The different instruments enter at different times, creating a complex and layered sound. The third movement is marked 'Lento', like the first movement. It returns to the mournful melody of the first movement, but this time it is played by the entire orchestra. The melody is repeated several times, with different instruments taking turns playing it. The piece ends with a final repetition of the melody, played softly by the violins. The 'Canon in Memoriam Igor Stravinsky' is a beautiful and moving tribute to one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. Schnittke's use of the canon form creates a layered and complex sound, while the simple melody creates a sense of mourning and loss. The piece is a testament to the enduring influence of Stravinsky's music, and to the power of music to express emotions that words cannot.

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