Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1950

Average_duration

:

3:13

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Intermissions 1 & 2 is a composition by Morton Feldman, an American composer known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to music. The piece was composed in 1950 and premiered the same year at the New School for Social Research in New York City. Intermissions 1 & 2 is a two-movement work that is characterized by its sparse and delicate textures, as well as its use of silence and extended durations. The first movement is marked by a slow and steady pulse, with long sustained notes that gradually shift in pitch and intensity. The second movement is more fragmented and unpredictable, with sudden bursts of sound and silence that create a sense of tension and release. One of the defining features of Intermissions 1 & 2 is its use of silence. Feldman was known for his interest in the concept of "indeterminate" music, which allowed for chance and randomness to play a role in the composition process. In Intermissions 1 & 2, the use of silence is not simply a lack of sound, but rather a deliberate choice that allows the listener to focus on the subtle nuances of the music. Another characteristic of Intermissions 1 & 2 is its use of extended durations. The piece is over 20 minutes long, and the sustained notes and slow tempo create a sense of timelessness and contemplation. This approach to time is a hallmark of Feldman's music, and is often associated with the minimalist and post-minimalist movements of the 20th century. Overall, Intermissions 1 & 2 is a haunting and meditative work that showcases Feldman's unique approach to composition. Its use of silence, extended durations, and delicate textures create a sense of introspection and contemplation that is both mesmerizing and profound.

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