Composer

:

Giacinto Scelsi

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1968

Average_duration

:

9:09

'Okanagon' is a composition by Italian composer Giacinto Scelsi, which was composed in 1968. The piece was premiered in Paris in the same year. It is a work for a large ensemble of percussion instruments, including gongs, tam-tams, cymbals, and drums. The composition is divided into four movements, each of which is characterized by a different set of instruments and a different mood. The first movement is marked by the use of gongs and tam-tams, creating a sense of mystery and tension. The second movement features cymbals and drums, creating a more rhythmic and energetic atmosphere. The third movement returns to the use of gongs and tam-tams, but with a more meditative and introspective quality. The final movement brings together all of the instruments used in the previous movements, creating a powerful and intense climax. One of the most distinctive characteristics of 'Okanagon' is its use of microtonality. Scelsi was known for his exploration of non-traditional tuning systems, and in this piece, he uses microtonal intervals to create a sense of ambiguity and fluidity. The percussion instruments are often played in unconventional ways, such as scraping or rubbing the surfaces of the gongs and tam-tams, which adds to the otherworldly quality of the music. Overall, 'Okanagon' is a challenging and complex work that pushes the boundaries of traditional Western music. Its use of unconventional tuning systems and percussion techniques creates a unique and otherworldly atmosphere that is both mysterious and powerful.

More....