Composer

:

Robert F. Graettinger

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1951

Average_duration

:

17:01

"City of Glass II" is a composition by American composer Robert F. Graettinger. It was composed in 1948 and premiered on May 15, 1948, at the Philharmonic Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. The piece is divided into three movements and is known for its unique and experimental sound. The first movement, titled "The Tower," begins with a dissonant and chaotic introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The music then transitions into a more structured section with a driving rhythm and a melody that is passed between different sections of the orchestra. The movement ends with a return to the dissonant and chaotic opening material. The second movement, titled "The Streets," is a slower and more atmospheric section that features a solo trumpet playing a mournful melody over a backdrop of strings and percussion. The music gradually builds in intensity before fading away into a quiet and eerie conclusion. The final movement, titled "The Pursuit," is a fast and frenetic section that features a driving rhythm and a melody that is passed between different sections of the orchestra. The music builds to a climax before abruptly ending with a final burst of dissonant sound. Overall, "City of Glass II" is known for its innovative use of dissonance, unconventional harmonies, and complex rhythms. The piece is often cited as an early example of the avant-garde movement in American classical music and has influenced many composers in the years since its premiere.

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