Composer

:

Lou Harrison

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1936 - 1988

First Performance

:

Feb 28, 1988

Average_duration

:

11:07

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Lou Harrison's 'A Summerfield Set' is a composition for piano that was composed in 1988. The piece was premiered on August 6, 1988, at the Music at Menlo Festival in California, with pianist William Winant performing. The composition consists of four movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, titled 'Jig', is a lively and energetic piece that is reminiscent of traditional Irish and Scottish folk music. The movement is characterized by its fast tempo and use of syncopated rhythms, which give the piece a sense of urgency and excitement. The second movement, 'Air', is a slower and more contemplative piece that is characterized by its use of sustained notes and gentle, flowing melodies. The movement has a dreamy quality to it, and the use of dissonant harmonies gives the piece a sense of tension and release. The third movement, 'Round', is a playful and whimsical piece that is characterized by its use of overlapping melodies and rhythms. The movement is structured as a canon, with each voice entering at different times and playing the same melody in a slightly different way. This creates a sense of complexity and depth to the piece, while also giving it a lighthearted and joyful quality. The final movement, 'Stampede', is a fast and frenetic piece that is characterized by its use of driving rhythms and percussive sounds. The movement is inspired by the sounds of a herd of wild horses running across a field, and the use of dissonant harmonies and unconventional rhythms gives the piece a sense of chaos and excitement. Overall, 'A Summerfield Set' is a dynamic and engaging composition that showcases Lou Harrison's unique style and approach to music. The piece draws on a variety of musical traditions and influences, from folk music to avant-garde experimentation, and creates a cohesive and compelling musical experience.

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