Composer

:

Brian Ferneyhough

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1971

Average_duration

:

9:18

"Casandra's Dream Song" is a contemporary piece for solo flute composed by Brian Ferneyhough in 1970. The piece was premiered in 1971 by flutist Richard Adeney at the Royal College of Music in London. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and technical demands. The first movement, "Lento," is marked by long, sustained notes and a slow, mournful melody. The second movement, "Allegro," is much more frenetic and virtuosic, with rapid runs and complex rhythms. The final movement, "Lento," returns to the mournful character of the first movement, but with a more fragmented and disjointed melody. One of the defining characteristics of "Casandra's Dream Song" is its use of extended techniques, such as multiphonics, flutter-tonguing, and pitch bends. These techniques allow the flutist to create a wide range of sounds and textures, from ethereal and haunting to harsh and abrasive. The piece also requires a high level of technical proficiency, particularly in the second movement, which demands rapid fingerwork and precise articulation. Overall, "Casandra's Dream Song" is a challenging and complex piece that showcases the expressive and technical capabilities of the flute. Its haunting melodies and innovative use of extended techniques make it a standout work in the contemporary flute repertoire.

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