Composer

:

Willem Breuker

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1999

Average_duration

:

5:49

Fidget is a contemporary classical composition by Dutch composer and saxophonist Willem Breuker. The piece was composed in 1984 and premiered on November 16th of the same year at the BIMhuis in Amsterdam. Fidget is a single-movement work that is approximately 25 minutes in length. The piece is scored for a large ensemble consisting of saxophones, brass, percussion, and strings. The instrumentation is intentionally eclectic, with instruments such as the accordion and banjo being included alongside more traditional orchestral instruments. The piece is characterized by its frenetic energy and constantly shifting textures. Breuker employs a wide range of musical techniques, including extended techniques such as multiphonics and glissandi, to create a sense of chaos and unpredictability. The piece is also notable for its use of humor and satire, with Breuker incorporating elements of jazz, folk music, and popular music into the composition. Fidget is divided into several distinct sections, each with its own unique character and mood. The opening section is marked by a series of staccato brass and percussion hits, which gradually give way to a more lyrical saxophone melody. This melody is then taken up by the strings, who play it in a more fragmented and dissonant manner. The middle section of the piece is marked by a series of solos, with various members of the ensemble taking turns improvising over a series of shifting harmonies. The solos are often interrupted by sudden bursts of sound from the rest of the ensemble, creating a sense of tension and release. The final section of the piece is marked by a return to the opening material, with the brass and percussion once again taking center stage. The piece ends with a sudden, unexpected chord, bringing the frenzied energy of the composition to a sudden halt. Overall, Fidget is a challenging and complex work that showcases Breuker's unique compositional style. The piece is characterized by its use of humor, satire, and unpredictability, and is a testament to Breuker's skill as both a composer and a performer.

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