Composer

:

Mauricio Kagel

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1986

Average_duration

:

1:15

Mauricio Kagel's "Old/New" is a contemporary composition for chamber orchestra that was premiered on October 22, 1977, in Donaueschingen, Germany. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, titled "Old," begins with a slow and somber introduction that gradually builds in intensity. The orchestra is divided into two groups, with one group playing a series of dissonant chords while the other group plays a mournful melody. The two groups eventually merge, creating a dense and chaotic texture that is reminiscent of the avant-garde music of the early 20th century. The second movement, titled "New," is a complete contrast to the first. It begins with a lively and playful melody that is passed around the orchestra. The music is characterized by its rhythmic complexity and use of unconventional instruments, such as a typewriter and a toy piano. The movement is full of surprises, with sudden shifts in tempo and unexpected pauses. The final movement, titled "Old/New," is a synthesis of the first two movements. It begins with a reprise of the mournful melody from the first movement, but this time it is accompanied by the playful rhythms and unconventional instruments from the second movement. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the two contrasting elements merging into a single, unified sound. Overall, "Old/New" is a complex and challenging composition that showcases Kagel's mastery of contemporary music techniques. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance, unconventional instrumentation, and sudden shifts in tempo and texture. Despite its avant-garde qualities, however, the music is also full of humor and playfulness, making it an engaging and entertaining work for both performers and audiences alike.

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