Composer

:

Elliott Carter

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1999

First Performance

:

Mar 2, 2000

Average_duration

:

7:49

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Diversions (2) is a composition for small orchestra composed by Elliott Carter in 1999. It was premiered on March 2, 2000, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Robert Spano. The piece consists of five movements, each with its own distinct character and musical language. The first movement, marked "Allegro scorrevole," is a lively and playful scherzo. It features intricate rhythmic patterns and a constantly shifting texture, with different instruments taking turns playing the main theme. The second movement, "Adagio tenebroso," is a slow and somber meditation. It begins with a mournful melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass. The movement builds to a powerful climax before fading away into silence. The third movement, "Allegro brillante," is a virtuosic tour-de-force for the orchestra. It features rapid-fire runs and intricate counterpoint, with different sections of the orchestra trading off complex rhythmic patterns. The fourth movement, "Allegro giocoso," is a playful and whimsical scherzo. It features a lively and syncopated rhythm, with the different sections of the orchestra engaging in a lively dialogue. The final movement, "Adagio lamentoso," is a slow and mournful elegy. It features a haunting melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass. The movement builds to a powerful climax before fading away into silence, bringing the piece to a close. Overall, Diversions (2) is a complex and challenging work that showcases Carter's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create intricate and engaging musical textures. It is a testament to his continued creativity and innovation, even in his later years.

More....