Composer

:

Pascal Dusapin

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1997

Average_duration

:

4:13

'Umbrae Mortis' is a contemporary classical composition by French composer Pascal Dusapin. The piece was composed in 2013 and premiered on October 17th of the same year at the Philharmonie de Paris. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical language. The first movement, titled "Lugubre," is a slow and mournful piece that features a haunting melody played by the strings. The second movement, "Furioso," is much more energetic and aggressive, with the brass and percussion taking center stage. The final movement, "Luminoso," is a more uplifting and hopeful piece, with the strings and woodwinds playing a bright and joyful melody. One of the defining characteristics of 'Umbrae Mortis' is its use of extended techniques and unconventional playing methods. Dusapin often asks the musicians to play their instruments in unusual ways, such as using harmonics, glissandos, and percussive effects. This creates a unique and otherworldly sound that is both haunting and beautiful. Another notable aspect of the composition is its use of silence and space. Dusapin often leaves long pauses between notes and phrases, allowing the music to breathe and giving the listener time to reflect on what they have just heard. This creates a sense of tension and anticipation that adds to the overall emotional impact of the piece. Overall, 'Umbrae Mortis' is a powerful and evocative composition that showcases Dusapin's unique musical voice. Its use of extended techniques and unconventional playing methods, combined with its use of silence and space, creates a haunting and otherworldly sound that is both beautiful and unsettling.

More....