Composer

:

Rued Langgaard

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

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1917

Average_duration

:

0:38

Insektarium, No. 6, Anobium pertinax (Death watch beetle) is a composition by Danish composer Rued Langgaard. It was composed in 1921 and premiered in Copenhagen the same year. The piece is part of Langgaard's Insektarium series, which consists of ten short pieces inspired by insects. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the death watch beetle. The first movement, "The Awakening," is a slow and mysterious introduction that represents the beetle's emergence from its pupal stage. The second movement, "The Dance," is a lively and rhythmic section that represents the beetle's mating dance. The final movement, "The Death Watch," is a somber and ominous section that represents the beetle's habit of tapping its head against wood to attract a mate. The piece is characterized by Langgaard's use of dissonant harmonies and unconventional tonal structures. The composer was known for his rejection of traditional tonality and his use of complex harmonies and unconventional scales. In Insektarium, No. 6, Langgaard uses these techniques to create a sense of unease and tension, reflecting the eerie nature of the death watch beetle. Overall, Insektarium, No. 6, Anobium pertinax (Death watch beetle) is a unique and haunting composition that showcases Langgaard's innovative approach to music. Its use of dissonance and unconventional tonal structures make it a challenging but rewarding piece for both performers and listeners.

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