Composer

:

Wolfgang Rihm

Genre

:

Band

Style

:

March

Compose Date

:

1987

Average_duration

:

2:20

Abschieds-Marsch is a band music composition by Wolfgang Rihm, a German composer born in 1952. The piece was composed in 1980 and premiered on October 25, 1980, in Donaueschingen, Germany. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement of Abschieds-Marsch is marked "sehr ruhig" (very calm) and begins with a soft, sustained chord in the brass section. The music gradually builds in intensity as the percussion and woodwind sections join in, creating a sense of tension and anticipation. The movement reaches a climax with a series of dissonant chords before fading away into a quiet, introspective section. The second movement is marked "sehr schnell" (very fast) and is characterized by its frenetic energy and complex rhythms. The music is propelled forward by the percussion section, which drives the melody forward with a series of syncopated rhythms. The woodwind and brass sections provide a counterpoint to the percussion, creating a sense of tension and urgency. The final movement of Abschieds-Marsch is marked "sehr langsam" (very slow) and is the most introspective and contemplative of the three. The music is marked by long, sustained chords in the brass and woodwind sections, which are punctuated by occasional bursts of percussion. The movement gradually builds in intensity before reaching a climax with a series of dissonant chords. The music then fades away into a quiet, reflective coda. Overall, Abschieds-Marsch is a complex and challenging piece of music that showcases Rihm's mastery of orchestration and composition. The piece is marked by its use of dissonant harmonies, complex rhythms, and shifting textures, which create a sense of tension and anticipation throughout. Despite its challenging nature, Abschieds-Marsch is a rewarding and powerful piece of music that is sure to leave a lasting impression on listeners.

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