Composer

:

Akira Miyoshi

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1975

Average_duration

:

15:45

'Epitase, for guitar / Ixtacchihuatl' is a solo guitar piece composed by Akira Miyoshi, a Japanese composer known for his unique blend of Western and Eastern musical styles. The piece was composed in 1986 and premiered the same year by the renowned guitarist Shin-ichi Fukuda. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, titled 'Ixtacchihuatl', is named after a dormant volcano in Mexico and is characterized by its slow, meditative pace. The music is marked by long, sustained notes and a sense of stillness, evoking the quiet majesty of the mountain. The second movement, 'Epitase', is more lively and energetic, with a faster tempo and intricate, virtuosic guitar work. The music is marked by sudden shifts in dynamics and rhythm, creating a sense of tension and release. The title of the movement comes from the Greek word for "climax", and the music builds to a thrilling climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. The final movement, 'Ixtacchihuatl II', returns to the slow, contemplative mood of the first movement. The music is marked by delicate, intricate fingerpicking and a sense of introspection. The movement ends with a quiet, unresolved chord, leaving the listener with a sense of mystery and wonder. Overall, 'Epitase, for guitar / Ixtacchihuatl' is a masterful work that showcases Miyoshi's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the guitar as an instrument. The piece is a testament to the power of music to evoke emotion and transport the listener to another world.

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