Composer

:

Iannis Xenakis

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Piece

Compose Date

:

1962

Average_duration

:

12:06

"Morsima-Amorsima" is a composition by the Greek-French composer Iannis Xenakis. It was composed in 1962 and premiered in Paris in the same year. The piece is divided into two movements, "Morsima" and "Amorsima," each of which is characterized by its use of complex rhythms and microtonal intervals. The first movement, "Morsima," is marked by its use of a 19-note scale, which is divided into three groups of six, six, and seven notes. This scale is used to create a series of complex rhythms, which are played by a variety of percussion instruments, including drums, cymbals, and gongs. The rhythms are often polyrhythmic, with different instruments playing different rhythms simultaneously. The second movement, "Amorsima," is characterized by its use of microtonal intervals. The piece is written for a string quartet, and the players are instructed to use a variety of extended techniques, including glissandi, harmonics, and quarter-tones. The result is a haunting, otherworldly sound that is both beautiful and unsettling. Overall, "Morsima-Amorsima" is a challenging and complex piece of music that showcases Xenakis's unique approach to composition. It is a testament to his ability to push the boundaries of traditional music and create something truly innovative and groundbreaking.

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