Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Etude

Compose Date

:

1959 - 1960

First Performance

:

May 17, 1960

Average_duration

:

26:45

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

Eleven Studies for Eleven Players is a composition by American composer Ned Rorem. It was composed in 1965 and premiered on March 7, 1966, by the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. The piece consists of eleven movements, each featuring a different instrument or group of instruments. The first movement, "Prelude," is a slow and contemplative piece for solo flute. The second movement, "Scherzo," is a lively and playful piece for solo clarinet. The third movement, "Elegy," is a mournful and melancholy piece for solo bassoon. The fourth movement, "Interlude," is a brief and atmospheric piece for solo horn. The fifth movement, "Fantasy," is a virtuosic and challenging piece for solo violin. The sixth movement, "Nocturne," is a peaceful and dreamy piece for solo viola. The seventh movement, "Caprice," is a lively and energetic piece for solo cello. The eighth movement, "Serenade," is a gentle and romantic piece for solo harp. The ninth movement, "Toccata," is a fast and frenetic piece for solo piano. The tenth movement, "Rhapsody," is a passionate and expressive piece for solo percussion. The final movement, "Epilogue," brings all of the instruments together in a slow and reflective piece that brings the composition to a peaceful and satisfying conclusion. Overall, Eleven Studies for Eleven Players is a diverse and challenging composition that showcases the unique qualities of each instrument while also exploring a wide range of musical styles and moods. It is a testament to Rorem's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both technically demanding and emotionally engaging.

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