Composer

:

Iannis Xenakis

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1962

ST/10 is a composition by the Greek-French composer Iannis Xenakis. It was composed in 1964 and premiered on May 15, 1965, at the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, titled "Nomos Alpha," is characterized by its use of dense, complex textures and intricate rhythms. The piece is scored for a large ensemble of 46 musicians, including strings, winds, brass, and percussion. The music is highly dissonant and features a wide range of extended techniques, such as glissandi, microtonal intervals, and percussive effects. The movement is structured around a series of rhythmic patterns that gradually build in intensity, creating a sense of tension and urgency. The second movement, titled "Nomos Beta," is a solo percussion piece that features a single performer playing a large array of instruments, including drums, cymbals, gongs, and other percussion instruments. The music is highly rhythmic and features a wide range of dynamic contrasts, from quiet, delicate passages to loud, explosive outbursts. The performer is required to use a variety of extended techniques, such as playing multiple instruments simultaneously and using unconventional playing techniques to create unusual sounds and textures. The third and final movement, titled "Nomos Gamma," is a choral work that features a large choir singing in Greek. The music is highly rhythmic and features complex polyphonic textures, with multiple vocal lines weaving in and out of each other. The text of the piece is taken from ancient Greek poetry and is intended to evoke a sense of primal energy and power. Overall, ST/10 is a highly complex and challenging work that showcases Xenakis's innovative approach to composition. The piece is characterized by its use of dense, complex textures, intricate rhythms, and extended techniques, and is widely regarded as one of the most important works of contemporary classical music.

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