Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1977

Average_duration

:

28:49

Morton Feldman's 'Piano' is a solo piano piece composed in 1977. The piece premiered on October 16, 1977, at the University of Buffalo, New York, with the composer himself performing. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement is marked by its slow and sparse texture. The pianist plays a series of isolated notes and chords, with long pauses in between. The dynamics are mostly soft, with occasional moments of slightly louder playing. The overall effect is one of stillness and contemplation. The second movement is more active than the first, with a faster tempo and more complex rhythms. The pianist plays a series of short, repetitive motifs, which gradually build in intensity and complexity. The dynamics are more varied in this movement, with moments of both soft and loud playing. The overall effect is one of energy and momentum. The third movement returns to the slow and sparse texture of the first. The pianist plays a series of isolated notes and chords, with long pauses in between. However, the dynamics are more varied in this movement, with moments of both soft and loud playing. The overall effect is one of introspection and reflection. Overall, 'Piano' is characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, with a focus on simple textures and repetitive motifs. The piece is also marked by its use of silence and space, which create a sense of stillness and contemplation. Despite its minimalist approach, however, the piece is also marked by moments of intensity and energy, which provide a sense of contrast and balance.

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