Composer

:

John McCabe

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

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1992 - 1993

Average_duration

:

18:55

Tenebrae is a contemporary classical composition by British composer John McCabe. It was composed in 1980 and premiered on 17th October of the same year at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The piece is written for a large orchestra and is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "Lento," is characterized by a slow and mournful melody played by the strings. The woodwinds and brass then enter, adding a sense of tension and unease to the piece. The movement builds to a climax before fading away into a quiet and somber ending. The second movement, "Allegro," is much more lively and energetic than the first. The strings play a fast and frenzied melody, while the woodwinds and brass provide a counterpoint. The movement is marked by sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics, creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement. The final movement, "Lento," returns to the mournful and somber tone of the first. The strings play a slow and melancholic melody, while the woodwinds and brass provide a haunting accompaniment. The movement builds to a powerful climax before fading away into a quiet and reflective ending. Overall, Tenebrae is a powerful and emotional piece of music that showcases John McCabe's skill as a composer. The use of shifting tempos and dynamics creates a sense of tension and unpredictability, while the mournful melodies and haunting accompaniment add a sense of sadness and reflection.

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