Composer

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Lou Harrison

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

Compose Date

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Jan 15, 1937 - 1970

Average_duration

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5:57

Lou Harrison's "Largo Ostinato" is a contemporary classical composition that was composed in 1987. The piece was premiered on October 17, 1987, by the Cabrillo Festival Orchestra, conducted by Dennis Russell Davies. The composition is a single movement work that lasts approximately 15 minutes. The piece is characterized by its use of an ostinato, a repeating musical phrase that is used throughout the composition. The ostinato is played by the strings and is a simple, yet haunting melody that is repeated throughout the piece. The melody is accompanied by a variety of percussion instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, and glockenspiel. The composition is also characterized by its use of microtonality, a technique that involves the use of intervals smaller than the traditional half-step. This technique is used to create a unique and otherworldly sound that is both beautiful and unsettling. The piece is divided into several sections, each of which explores different variations of the ostinato. The sections are separated by brief pauses, which serve to create a sense of tension and release throughout the piece. Overall, "Largo Ostinato" is a beautiful and haunting composition that showcases Lou Harrison's unique style and innovative use of microtonality. The piece is a testament to Harrison's ability to create music that is both challenging and accessible, and it remains a popular work in the contemporary classical repertoire.

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