Composer

:

George Rochberg

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1965

Average_duration

:

11:37

'Contra Mortem et Tempus' is a composition for string quartet by American composer George Rochberg. It was composed in 1976 and premiered on March 7, 1977, by the Concord String Quartet at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked "Lento," is a somber and introspective meditation on mortality. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and energetic scherzo that contrasts sharply with the first movement. The final movement, marked "Adagio," is a slow and mournful elegy that brings the piece to a poignant and emotional conclusion. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Contra Mortem et Tempus' is its use of quotation and allusion. Throughout the piece, Rochberg incorporates fragments of music from other composers, including Beethoven, Brahms, and Schubert. These quotations are often transformed and recontextualized, creating a complex and layered musical texture that reflects Rochberg's interest in the relationship between tradition and innovation. Another notable feature of the piece is its use of extended techniques and unconventional playing techniques. The quartet is called upon to produce a wide range of sounds, from delicate harmonics and pizzicato to aggressive glissandi and col legno. These techniques are used to create a sense of tension and instability, reflecting the themes of mortality and the passage of time that run throughout the piece. Overall, 'Contra Mortem et Tempus' is a powerful and deeply affecting work that showcases Rochberg's unique voice as a composer. Its combination of traditional and avant-garde elements, along with its emotional intensity and technical virtuosity, make it a landmark of contemporary string quartet repertoire.

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