Composer

:

Wolfgang Rihm

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1992 - 1993

First Performance

:

May 9, 1993

Average_duration

:

12:19

Antlitz is a composition for orchestra by the German composer Wolfgang Rihm. It was composed in 1986 and premiered on October 23, 1986, by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Claudio Abbado. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, marked "Sehr langsam" (very slow), is characterized by a sense of unease and tension. The music is sparse and fragmented, with long pauses between phrases. The second movement, marked "Sehr schnell" (very fast), is much more energetic and frenetic. The music is full of rapid, swirling figures and sudden bursts of sound. The third movement, marked "Sehr langsam" (very slow), returns to the mood of the first movement, but with a greater sense of resignation and acceptance. Throughout the piece, Rihm makes use of a wide range of orchestral colors and textures. The music is often dissonant and atonal, with sudden shifts in harmony and rhythm. There are also moments of great beauty and lyricism, particularly in the slower sections of the piece. Overall, Antlitz is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Rihm's skill as a composer. It is a challenging piece for both performers and listeners, but one that rewards close attention and repeated listening.

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