Composer

:

Gérard Grisey

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1974

Average_duration

:

14:10

Gérard Grisey's 'Périodes' is a composition for seven musicians, premiered in 1974. The piece is divided into three movements, each exploring different aspects of sound and timbre. The first movement, titled "Transitoires," is characterized by its use of short, abrupt sounds that are meant to evoke the idea of transition or transformation. The musicians play a series of isolated notes and chords, creating a sense of tension and instability. The second movement, "Partiels," is focused on the harmonic series and the way in which different partials of a sound can be isolated and emphasized. The musicians play long, sustained notes that gradually shift in pitch and timbre, creating a complex and ever-changing texture. The final movement, "Modulations," is perhaps the most traditional in terms of its structure and form. It features a series of melodic and rhythmic motifs that are developed and transformed over the course of the movement. However, even here, Grisey's focus on timbre and sound color is evident, as the musicians use a variety of extended techniques to create unusual and unexpected sounds. Overall, 'Périodes' is a groundbreaking work that helped to establish Grisey as one of the leading figures in the spectral music movement. Its use of unconventional sounds and focus on the physical properties of sound make it a challenging but rewarding listening experience.

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