Composer

:

Per Nørgård

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

14:03

"Turn, for harpsichord" is a solo harpsichord piece composed by Danish composer Per Nørgård in 1989. The piece was premiered on October 22, 1989, by the harpsichordist Elisabeth Chojnacka at the Warsaw Autumn Festival. The piece consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and style. The first movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively and rhythmic piece that features rapid arpeggios and intricate melodic lines. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a slower and more contemplative piece that explores the harpsichord's rich harmonic possibilities. The final movement, marked "Allegro vivace," is a fast and energetic piece that brings the work to a thrilling conclusion. One of the most striking characteristics of "Turn, for harpsichord" is Nørgård's use of microtonality. Throughout the piece, he employs a system of tuning known as the "infinity series," which allows for an infinite number of pitches between each half-step of the traditional Western tuning system. This creates a unique and otherworldly sound that is both challenging and rewarding for the performer and listener alike. Another notable feature of the piece is Nørgård's use of rhythmic displacement. In many sections of the work, he shifts the downbeat of the measure to create a sense of instability and unpredictability. This adds to the overall sense of tension and excitement in the music. Overall, "Turn, for harpsichord" is a challenging and innovative work that showcases Nørgård's mastery of both composition and the harpsichord. Its use of microtonality and rhythmic displacement make it a unique and rewarding listening experience for those willing to explore the boundaries of contemporary classical music.

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