Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1952

Average_duration

:

4:40

Intermission 5 is a composition by Morton Feldman, an American composer known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to music. The piece was composed in 1952 and premiered the same year in New York City. Intermission 5 is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 10 minutes. It is scored for a small ensemble of six instruments: flute, clarinet, trumpet, violin, cello, and piano. The piece is characterized by its sparse and delicate textures, with each instrument playing independently of the others. The composition begins with a series of soft, sustained notes played by the flute and clarinet. The trumpet then enters with a short, staccato motif, which is repeated several times throughout the piece. The violin and cello play long, sustained notes that provide a subtle harmonic backdrop to the other instruments. The piano enters later in the piece, playing a series of sparse, dissonant chords. Intermission 5 is notable for its use of silence and space. Feldman was known for his interest in the concept of "indeterminate" music, in which the performer is given a certain amount of freedom to interpret the score. In Intermission 5, the performers are given a set of instructions but are also encouraged to improvise and respond to each other's playing. This creates a sense of unpredictability and spontaneity in the performance. Overall, Intermission 5 is a haunting and ethereal work that showcases Feldman's unique approach to composition. Its sparse textures and use of silence create a sense of tension and anticipation, while its indeterminate nature allows for a wide range of interpretations and performances.

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