Composer

:

Frank Martin

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Etude

Compose Date

:

1955 - 1956

First Performance

:

Nov 23, 1956

Average_duration

:

19:40

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Études (5) for string orchestra is a composition by Swiss composer Frank Martin. The piece was composed in 1956 and premiered on January 17, 1957, in Zurich, Switzerland. The composition consists of five movements, each of which is an étude or a study in a particular musical technique. The first movement, marked "Pizzicato," is a study in the use of pizzicato, or plucking the strings of the instruments. The movement is characterized by its playful and rhythmic nature, with the strings of the orchestra creating a percussive effect. The second movement, marked "Lento," is a study in the use of harmonics, or the production of high-pitched tones by lightly touching the strings at certain points. The movement is characterized by its ethereal and otherworldly sound, with the strings of the orchestra creating a haunting and mysterious atmosphere. The third movement, marked "Allegro," is a study in the use of double stops, or the playing of two notes simultaneously on a single string. The movement is characterized by its energetic and virtuosic nature, with the strings of the orchestra creating a complex and intricate texture. The fourth movement, marked "Largo," is a study in the use of tremolo, or the rapid repetition of a single note. The movement is characterized by its slow and mournful sound, with the strings of the orchestra creating a sense of longing and melancholy. The fifth and final movement, marked "Allegro," is a study in the use of glissando, or the sliding of the fingers along the strings to produce a continuous pitch. The movement is characterized by its lively and playful nature, with the strings of the orchestra creating a sense of joy and celebration. Overall, Études (5) for string orchestra is a challenging and virtuosic composition that showcases the technical abilities of the string orchestra. The piece is characterized by its use of various musical techniques and its ability to create a wide range of moods and emotions through the use of the strings.

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