Composer

:

Wolfgang Rihm

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1988

First Performance

:

Oct 26, 1988

Average_duration

:

8:50

'Depart' is a contemporary classical composition by German composer Wolfgang Rihm. It was composed in 2003 and premiered on September 12, 2003, at the Lucerne Festival in Switzerland. The piece is written for a large orchestra and is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked "Sehr lebhaft" (very lively), begins with a frenzied and dissonant introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The music is characterized by its complex rhythms and dense textures, with the orchestra often playing in unison to create a powerful and overwhelming sound. The movement builds to a climax before abruptly ending. The second movement, marked "Langsam" (slowly), is a stark contrast to the first. It begins with a mournful melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass. The music is haunting and atmospheric, with long, sustained notes and a sense of melancholy pervading throughout. The movement ends quietly, with a solo violin playing a delicate and fragile melody. The final movement, marked "Sehr schnell" (very fast), returns to the frenzied energy of the first. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and complex harmonies, with the orchestra often playing in a frenetic and chaotic manner. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before ending abruptly, leaving the listener with a sense of unease and uncertainty. Overall, 'Depart' is a challenging and complex piece of music that showcases Rihm's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create powerful and evocative soundscapes. The piece is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, dense textures, and dissonant harmonies, and is a testament to Rihm's status as one of the most important contemporary composers of our time.

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