Composer

:

Glenn Branca

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Compose Date

:

1987

Average_duration

:

47:13

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Glenn Branca's Symphony No. 6, subtitled "Devil Choirs at the Gates of Heaven," is a monumental work for 100 electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums. It was composed in 1989 and premiered at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City on May 18 of that year. The symphony is divided into four movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "The Sixth Seal," is a slow, ominous piece that builds to a thunderous climax. The second movement, "The Smoke of the Pit," is faster and more aggressive, with a driving rhythm and dissonant harmonies. The third movement, "The Burning of the Temple," is a chaotic, frenzied piece that features a cacophony of sound from the 100 guitars. The final movement, "The End of the World," is a slow, mournful piece that brings the symphony to a close. One of the defining characteristics of Branca's Symphony No. 6 is its use of microtonal tuning. The guitars are tuned in a way that allows for more than the traditional 12 notes of the Western musical scale, creating a unique and otherworldly sound. The symphony also features Branca's signature use of repetition and layering, with multiple guitar parts building on top of each other to create a dense, complex texture. Overall, Symphony No. 6 is a powerful and intense work that pushes the boundaries of what is possible with electric guitars. It is a testament to Branca's innovative spirit and his ability to create music that is both challenging and deeply moving.

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