Composer

:

Lukas Foss

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1978

Average_duration

:

17:12

Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird is a composition for chamber orchestra by Lukas Foss. It was composed in 1978 and premiered on March 23, 1979, by the Boston Symphony Chamber Players. The piece is based on the poem "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" by Wallace Stevens. The composition consists of thirteen movements, each corresponding to one of the thirteen stanzas of the poem. The movements are not titled, but are numbered I through XIII. The piece is scored for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, percussion, piano, and strings. The characteristics of the piece are reflective of the poem's themes of perception, perspective, and the nature of reality. The movements are varied in tempo, mood, and texture, with some being slow and contemplative, while others are fast and energetic. The use of percussion is particularly notable, with the instruments being used to create a wide range of sounds and textures. Foss's use of orchestration is also noteworthy, with each instrument being given a chance to shine throughout the piece. The use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies adds to the sense of ambiguity and uncertainty that is present throughout the composition. Overall, Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird is a complex and thought-provoking piece that challenges the listener to consider the nature of perception and reality. Its use of unconventional harmonies and orchestration make it a unique and compelling work that continues to be performed and studied today.

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