Composer

:

Pierre Bartholomee

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

2006

Average_duration

:

6:14

'Zigzag' is a contemporary classical composition by Belgian composer Pierre Bartholomee. The piece was composed in 1994 and premiered on March 17, 1995, at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels, Belgium. 'Zigzag' is a three-movement work for a chamber ensemble consisting of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. The first movement, titled "Zig," is characterized by its energetic and rhythmic nature. The music is constantly shifting and changing, with sudden stops and starts, and unexpected accents. The second movement, "Zag," is more introspective and contemplative. The music is slower and more melodic, with long, sustained notes and a sense of longing. The final movement, "Zigzag," brings together the themes and motifs from the previous two movements, creating a sense of unity and coherence. One of the defining characteristics of 'Zigzag' is its use of complex rhythms and time signatures. Bartholomee frequently employs irregular meters, such as 7/8 and 5/8, which give the music a sense of unpredictability and instability. The piece also features extended techniques, such as flutter-tonguing on the flute and clarinet, and pizzicato and col legno on the strings. Overall, 'Zigzag' is a dynamic and engaging work that showcases Bartholomee's skill as a composer. Its use of complex rhythms and extended techniques make it a challenging piece for performers, but also a rewarding one for audiences.

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