Composer

:

Salvatore Sciarrino

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

2004

Il legno e la parola is a contemporary composition by Salvatore Sciarrino, an Italian composer born in 1947. The piece was composed in 1998 and premiered on October 16th of the same year at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy. The composition is divided into three movements, each exploring different aspects of sound and silence. The first movement, titled "Il legno e la parola," features the sound of wooden instruments, such as flutes and clarinets, and the spoken word. The instruments are played in a way that emphasizes their natural sound, with the performers using extended techniques to create a range of timbres and textures. The spoken word is used sparingly, with the performers whispering fragments of text that are barely audible. The second movement, titled "Il silenzio e il suo contrario," explores the concept of silence and its opposite. The performers use a variety of techniques to create sounds that are barely audible, such as blowing air through the instruments without producing a pitch. The silence is punctuated by sudden bursts of sound, creating a sense of tension and release. The final movement, titled "Il suono e il suo doppio," features the sound of electronic instruments, such as synthesizers and samplers. The performers manipulate the sound in real-time, creating a range of textures and timbres that are both familiar and otherworldly. The electronic sound is juxtaposed with the natural sound of the wooden instruments, creating a sense of contrast and tension. Overall, Il legno e la parola is a composition that explores the boundaries of sound and silence, using a range of techniques and instruments to create a unique sonic landscape. The piece is characterized by its use of extended techniques, its emphasis on natural sound, and its exploration of the relationship between sound and silence.

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