Composer

:

Ethan Wickman

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

2008

Average_duration

:

8:05

Passages for piano is a contemporary classical composition by Ethan Wickman, an American composer and professor of music at the University of Texas at Austin. The piece was composed in 2006 and premiered on March 2, 2007, at the University of Texas at Austin. Passages for piano is a three-movement work that explores the concept of musical passages, both in terms of musical form and the idea of a journey through time and space. The first movement, titled "Passages I," is marked by a sense of urgency and forward motion, with rapid arpeggios and cascading runs that create a sense of momentum. The second movement, "Passages II," is more introspective and contemplative, with slower, more lyrical lines that evoke a sense of reflection and introspection. The final movement, "Passages III," returns to the energy and momentum of the first movement, with a driving rhythm and complex harmonies that build to a dramatic climax. One of the defining characteristics of Passages for piano is its use of extended techniques, such as prepared piano and inside-the-piano playing. In the first movement, for example, the pianist is instructed to play clusters of notes with the palm of the hand, creating a percussive effect that adds to the sense of urgency and momentum. In the second movement, the pianist is instructed to play certain notes with the fingers inside the piano, creating a haunting, ethereal sound. Overall, Passages for piano is a challenging and complex work that showcases Ethan Wickman's skill as a composer and his ability to create a sense of journey and exploration through music.

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