Composer

:

Mauricio Kagel

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1972

Average_duration

:

6:08

Mauricio Kagel's "Unguis Incarnatus Est" is a contemporary composition for solo percussion, composed in 1972. The piece premiered on October 28, 1972, in Donaueschingen, Germany, and has since become a staple of the percussion repertoire. The title of the piece, "Unguis Incarnatus Est," translates to "the nail has grown into the flesh," and the composition reflects this theme through its use of unconventional percussion instruments and techniques. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and instrumentation. The first movement, "Prelude," features the use of a bowed cymbal, creating a haunting, ethereal sound. The performer is also instructed to use a variety of mallets and sticks to create a range of percussive effects. The second movement, "Intermezzo," is more rhythmic and energetic, featuring the use of a snare drum, woodblocks, and a whip. The performer is also instructed to use their voice, adding a vocal element to the piece. The final movement, "Postlude," returns to the haunting, ethereal sound of the first movement, with the performer using a variety of metal objects, including a metal sheet and a metal rod, to create a range of metallic sounds. Overall, "Unguis Incarnatus Est" is a challenging and complex composition that requires a skilled percussionist to execute its unconventional techniques and instrumentation. The piece is a testament to Kagel's innovative approach to composition and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional musical forms.

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