Composer

:

Giacinto Scelsi

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1988

Average_duration

:

6:07

'Un adieu' is a composition for solo violin by Italian composer Giacinto Scelsi. It was composed in 1978 and premiered in Paris in the same year. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Lento," is characterized by long, sustained notes and a mournful, melancholic mood. The violinist is instructed to play with a "whispering" sound, creating a sense of intimacy and introspection. The movement is built around a series of descending scales, which are repeated and varied throughout. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is much more energetic and virtuosic. The violinist is instructed to play with a "wild" sound, using a variety of extended techniques such as glissandi, harmonics, and pizzicato. The movement is built around a series of fast, rhythmic patterns, which are interrupted by moments of stillness and reflection. The third and final movement, marked "Lento," returns to the mournful, introspective mood of the first. The violinist is instructed to play with a "sighing" sound, creating a sense of resignation and acceptance. The movement is built around a series of ascending scales, which are repeated and varied throughout. Overall, 'Un adieu' is a deeply emotional and introspective work, reflecting Scelsi's interest in exploring the inner world of the individual. The piece is characterized by its use of extended techniques, its emphasis on sustained notes and long, flowing lines, and its exploration of the full range of the violin's expressive capabilities.

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