Composer

:

Luciano Berio

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1996

Average_duration

:

18:52

Ekphrasis Continuo II is a composition by the Italian composer Luciano Berio. It was composed in 1989 and premiered on October 22, 1989, at the Berliner Festwochen. The piece is a continuation of Berio's earlier work, Ekphrasis, which was composed in 1978. Ekphrasis Continuo II is a single-movement work that is approximately 20 minutes in length. The piece is scored for a large orchestra, including strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and harp. The work is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as glissandi, microtonal inflections, and multiphonics, which create a complex and intricate sound world. The piece is structured around a series of musical gestures that are repeated and developed throughout the work. These gestures are derived from a variety of sources, including traditional Western music, non-Western music, and electronic music. Berio uses these gestures to create a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the piece, despite its complex and fragmented structure. One of the most striking features of Ekphrasis Continuo II is its use of timbre. Berio employs a wide range of instrumental colors and textures, creating a constantly shifting sonic landscape. The piece also features a number of solo passages, including a virtuosic harp cadenza and a haunting oboe solo. Overall, Ekphrasis Continuo II is a complex and challenging work that showcases Berio's mastery of orchestration and his innovative approach to musical form. It is a testament to his enduring influence on contemporary music and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music.

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