Composer

:

John Corigliano

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Overture

Compose Date

:

1967

First Performance

:

Jan 11, 1980

Average_duration

:

11:40

"Tournaments" is a composition for brass quintet and percussion by American composer John Corigliano. It was composed in 1997 and premiered on March 22, 1998, by the American Brass Quintet at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. The piece is divided into three movements, each representing a different aspect of a medieval tournament. The first movement, titled "Joust," is a fast and energetic depiction of the jousting competition. The second movement, "Melee," is a slower and more chaotic representation of the melee, a battle between multiple knights. The final movement, "Ring," is a lively and celebratory depiction of the ring tournament, in which knights would try to spear a ring while riding on horseback. Corigliano's use of brass instruments and percussion creates a powerful and dramatic sound, evoking the grandeur and excitement of a medieval tournament. The piece also incorporates elements of medieval music, such as modal harmonies and rhythmic patterns, while still maintaining a contemporary sound. Overall, "Tournaments" is a dynamic and engaging composition that showcases Corigliano's skill in creating vivid musical imagery.

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