Composer

:

Mauricio Kagel

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Piece

Compose Date

:

1972 - 1973

Average_duration

:

48:52

Mauricio Kagel's "1898" is a composition for chamber orchestra that was premiered in 1973. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which explores different musical and historical themes. The first movement, titled "The Spanish-American War," is a chaotic and dissonant depiction of the conflict between the United States and Spain in 1898. The music is characterized by abrupt shifts in tempo and dynamics, as well as the use of unconventional instruments such as sirens and whistles. The second movement, "The Boxer Rebellion," is a more subdued and atmospheric piece that evokes the tension and violence of the Chinese uprising against foreign powers in 1898. The music is marked by eerie harmonies and sparse instrumentation, with the occasional outburst of percussion and brass. The third movement, "The Dreyfus Affair," is a dramatic and emotionally charged depiction of the infamous French scandal involving the wrongful conviction of Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus. The music is characterized by sweeping melodies and lush harmonies, as well as the use of vocal and choral elements. The final movement, "The Assassination of Empress Elisabeth," is a haunting and mournful tribute to the tragic death of the Austrian Empress at the hands of an anarchist in 1898. The music is marked by slow, mournful melodies and the use of unconventional instruments such as glass harmonicas and musical saws. Overall, "1898" is a powerful and evocative work that explores the political and social upheavals of the late 19th century through a unique and innovative musical language.

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