Composer

:

Wolfgang Rihm

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1999

First Performance

:

May 22, 1999

Average_duration

:

17:42

Sotto voce is a contemporary classical composition by German composer Wolfgang Rihm. It was composed in 1999 and premiered on October 22, 1999, at the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany. The piece is written for a chamber ensemble consisting of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. Sotto voce is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked "sehr ruhig" (very calm), is a slow and introspective piece that features long, sustained notes and delicate, intricate textures. The second movement, marked "sehr lebhaft" (very lively), is a fast and energetic piece that features rapid, virtuosic passages and playful, syncopated rhythms. The third and final movement, marked "sehr ruhig" (very calm), returns to the introspective mood of the first movement, with long, sustained notes and delicate, intricate textures. One of the defining characteristics of Sotto voce is its use of extended techniques, such as flutter-tonguing on the flute and clarinet, and pizzicato and harmonics on the strings. These techniques are used to create a wide range of timbres and textures, from delicate and ethereal to harsh and abrasive. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of silence and space, with long pauses between phrases and sections, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. Overall, Sotto voce is a complex and challenging work that showcases Rihm's mastery of contemporary classical composition. Its intricate textures, virtuosic passages, and use of extended techniques make it a compelling and rewarding piece for both performers and audiences alike.

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