Composer

:

Aaron Jay Kernis

Genre

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

2006

Average_duration

:

3:14

'Playing Monster' is a contemporary classical composition by Aaron Jay Kernis, an American composer born in 1960. The piece was composed in 1991 and premiered on March 5, 1992, by the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Zubin Mehta. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, titled "The Monster Awakens," is a frenzied and chaotic depiction of a monster coming to life. The music is dissonant and aggressive, with pounding rhythms and jagged melodies that create a sense of unease and tension. The second movement, "Playing with the Monster," is more playful and whimsical. The music is lighter and more lyrical, with a sense of childlike wonder and curiosity. The monster is no longer a threat but a source of amusement, and the music reflects this shift in mood. The final movement, "The Monster's Lullaby," is a slow and gentle lullaby that brings the piece to a peaceful conclusion. The music is soothing and comforting, with a sense of resolution and closure. Overall, 'Playing Monster' is a dynamic and engaging composition that showcases Kernis's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, as well as its vivid and evocative imagery. It is a testament to Kernis's ability to create music that is both challenging and accessible, and it remains a popular work in the contemporary classical repertoire.

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