Composer

:

Edgard Varèse

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Piece

Compose Date

:

1925 - 1927

Average_duration

:

18:08

Arcana is a composition for orchestra by Edgard Varèse, a French-American composer. It was composed in 1925 and premiered on November 25, 1927, by the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Leopold Stokowski. The piece is divided into three movements and has a duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, titled "Intégrales," is characterized by its use of dense, complex textures and dissonant harmonies. The orchestra is divided into several groups, each playing its own independent part, creating a sense of chaos and unpredictability. The movement builds to a climax before abruptly ending. The second movement, "Density 21.5," is a solo for unaccompanied flute. The title refers to the density of platinum, which is 21.5 grams per cubic centimeter, and the piece is dedicated to Georges Barrère, a French flutist who commissioned the work. The solo flute explores a wide range of techniques and extended techniques, including flutter-tonguing, harmonics, and glissandi. The final movement, "Octandre," is named after a musical instrument invented by Varèse himself. The octandre is a wind instrument with eight sides and eight holes, which produces a unique, metallic sound. The movement features a prominent role for the percussion section, including timpani, snare drum, and cymbals. The music is characterized by its use of irregular rhythms and shifting meters, creating a sense of tension and instability. Overall, Arcana is a groundbreaking work that pushed the boundaries of traditional orchestral music. Varèse's use of unconventional instruments, complex textures, and dissonant harmonies was highly influential on later composers, including Pierre Boulez and Karlheinz Stockhausen. The piece remains a challenging and rewarding listening experience for audiences today.

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