Composer

:

Karlheinz Stockhausen

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1990 - 1991

Average_duration

:

37:09

Pietà is a composition for solo soprano and a small ensemble of six instruments, composed by Karlheinz Stockhausen in 1966. The piece was premiered on 21 October 1966 in Donaueschingen, Germany, as part of the Donaueschingen Festival. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical language. The first movement, titled "Maria," is a slow and meditative piece that features the soprano singing a text in Latin that describes the Virgin Mary's sorrow at the crucifixion of her son. The music is characterized by long, sustained notes and a sense of stillness and contemplation. The second movement, titled "Lucifer," is a more aggressive and dissonant piece that features the soprano singing a text in German that describes the fall of Lucifer from heaven. The music is characterized by jagged rhythms, angular melodies, and a sense of chaos and turmoil. The third and final movement, titled "Michael," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that features the soprano singing a text in German that describes the victory of the archangel Michael over the forces of evil. The music is characterized by bright, soaring melodies and a sense of exultation and joy. Overall, Pietà is a powerful and emotionally charged work that showcases Stockhausen's mastery of both vocal and instrumental writing. The piece is notable for its use of contrasting musical languages and its exploration of themes of sorrow, rebellion, and redemption.

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