Composer

:

Edgard Varèse

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Character Piece

Compose Date

:

1947

Average_duration

:

4:59

Edgard Varèse's "Tuning Up" is a short composition for orchestra that was composed in 1947. The piece was premiered on May 16, 1947, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Artur Rodzinski. "Tuning Up" is a single-movement work that lasts only a minute and a half. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and unconventional orchestration. Varèse was known for his interest in exploring new sounds and textures, and "Tuning Up" is no exception. The piece begins with a cacophony of sounds as the orchestra tunes their instruments. This chaotic introduction is followed by a brief section of more structured music, featuring a melody played by the strings. The piece ends with a return to the dissonant sounds of the opening, as the orchestra once again tunes their instruments. Despite its brevity, "Tuning Up" is an important work in the history of 20th-century music. It is an example of Varèse's interest in exploring new sounds and textures, and it foreshadows the experimental music that would become popular in the decades that followed. The piece is also notable for its use of unconventional orchestration, including the use of percussion instruments such as the tam-tam and the bass drum. Overall, "Tuning Up" is a brief but powerful work that showcases Varèse's innovative approach to music composition. Its use of dissonant harmonies and unconventional orchestration make it a unique and important piece in the history of modern music.

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