Composer

:

Morton Subotnick

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Average_duration

:

21:18

'A Fluttering of Wings' is a contemporary classical composition by Morton Subotnick, an American composer and pioneer in electronic music. The piece was composed in 1981 and premiered the same year at the New Music America Festival in San Francisco. The composition consists of three movements, each exploring different sonic textures and timbres. The first movement, titled "Fluttering," features a fluttering, bird-like sound created by a combination of electronic and acoustic instruments. The second movement, "Wings," is more atmospheric and ethereal, with long, sustained tones and subtle shifts in pitch and timbre. The final movement, "Flight," is the most dynamic and energetic of the three, with fast, frenetic rhythms and a sense of forward motion. One of the defining characteristics of 'A Fluttering of Wings' is its use of electronic instruments and technology. Subotnick was a pioneer in the field of electronic music, and this composition showcases his mastery of the medium. The piece features a variety of electronic instruments, including synthesizers, samplers, and digital processors, which are used to create a wide range of sounds and textures. Another notable characteristic of the composition is its use of unconventional musical structures and forms. Rather than adhering to traditional classical forms, Subotnick creates a more free-flowing, improvisational feel, with each movement flowing seamlessly into the next. Overall, 'A Fluttering of Wings' is a groundbreaking work that showcases Subotnick's innovative approach to composition and his mastery of electronic music. Its use of unconventional structures and electronic instruments make it a unique and compelling addition to the contemporary classical canon.

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