Composer

:

John Adams

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1983

Average_duration

:

41:38

'Light Over Water' is a contemporary classical composition by American composer John Adams. The piece was composed in 1983 and premiered on October 28, 1983, by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Edo de Waart. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, titled "The Light That Fills the World," is a slow and contemplative piece that features a solo violin and a small ensemble of strings. The music is characterized by long, sustained notes and a sense of stillness and introspection. The second movement, titled "The Anfortas Wound," is more dramatic and intense. It features a larger ensemble, including brass and percussion, and is characterized by driving rhythms and dissonant harmonies. The music is meant to evoke the pain and suffering of the character Anfortas from Wagner's opera Parsifal. The final movement, titled "The Gathering," is a joyful and celebratory piece that features a full orchestra and choir. The music is characterized by lively rhythms and bright, colorful harmonies, and is meant to evoke a sense of community and togetherness. Overall, 'Light Over Water' is a powerful and evocative composition that showcases Adams' skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of contrasting moods and textures, as well as its incorporation of elements from both classical and popular music.

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