Composer

:

Salvatore Sciarrino

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1998

Average_duration

:

24:16

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Salvatore Sciarrino's 'Notturni (4) for piano' is a set of four nocturnes composed in 1975. The piece was premiered in Rome in the same year by pianist Marino Formenti. The first movement, marked "Lento," begins with a series of soft, sparse chords that gradually build in intensity. The melody is fragmented and dissonant, with sudden bursts of sound interrupting the otherwise quiet atmosphere. The movement ends with a return to the opening chords, fading away into silence. The second movement, marked "Molto lento," is more introspective and contemplative. The melody is slow and mournful, with long pauses between phrases. The harmonies are often dissonant, creating a sense of tension and unease. The movement ends with a series of soft, descending chords. The third movement, marked "Presto," is the most energetic of the four. The melody is fast and frenetic, with rapid runs and arpeggios. The harmonies are often atonal, with sudden shifts in tonality adding to the sense of disorientation. The movement ends with a sudden, unexpected chord. The final movement, marked "Lento," is a return to the introspective mood of the second movement. The melody is slow and mournful, with long pauses between phrases. The harmonies are often dissonant, but there is a sense of resolution and acceptance in the final chords. Overall, 'Notturni (4) for piano' is a haunting and introspective work that explores the limits of tonality and harmony. The use of dissonance and silence creates a sense of tension and unease, while the occasional bursts of energy add to the overall sense of unpredictability. The piece is a testament to Sciarrino's skill as a composer and his ability to create complex, emotionally charged works for solo piano.

More....