Composer

:

Meredith Monk

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

2001

Average_duration

:

3:01

'Urban March (Shadow)' is a contemporary classical composition by American composer and performer Meredith Monk. The piece was composed in 1981 and premiered on October 22, 1981, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, titled "Urban March," is a rhythmic and percussive piece that features a driving beat and repetitive vocal patterns. The second movement, titled "Shadow," is a more introspective and haunting piece that features ethereal vocal harmonies and a slower tempo. The final movement, titled "Urban March (Reprise)," returns to the driving rhythm and energy of the first movement, bringing the piece to a powerful conclusion. One of the defining characteristics of 'Urban March (Shadow)' is Monk's use of extended vocal techniques. Throughout the piece, she employs a wide range of vocal sounds, including whispers, shouts, and yelps, as well as more traditional singing styles. This creates a unique and otherworldly sound that is both captivating and unsettling. Another notable aspect of the composition is its use of repetition and variation. The rhythmic patterns and vocal motifs that are introduced in the first movement are developed and transformed throughout the piece, creating a sense of unity and coherence. Overall, 'Urban March (Shadow)' is a powerful and evocative composition that showcases Monk's innovative approach to contemporary classical music. Its use of extended vocal techniques, repetition, and variation make it a unique and compelling work that continues to captivate audiences today.

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