Composer

:

Percy Grainger

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1933-1939

Publication Date

:

1941

Average_duration

:

4:44

Percy Grainger's "The Immovable Do (The Ciphering C)" is a unique and innovative composition that was first composed in 1940. The piece was premiered in 1941 at the New York Museum of Modern Art, and it quickly became one of Grainger's most popular works. The composition is written for a saxophone or woodwind choir, and it is divided into three movements. The first movement is titled "The Ciphering C," and it is a lively and energetic piece that features a complex and intricate melody. The second movement is titled "The Immovable Do," and it is a slow and contemplative piece that features a simple and repetitive melody. The third movement is titled "The Chosen Gems," and it is a lively and upbeat piece that features a series of short and catchy melodies. One of the most unique characteristics of "The Immovable Do" is its use of the "ciphering" technique. This technique involves assigning a numerical value to each note in the melody, and then using those numbers to create a series of complex mathematical patterns. Grainger was fascinated by this technique, and he used it extensively throughout the composition. Another unique characteristic of "The Immovable Do" is its use of unconventional instrumentation. Grainger was known for his experimentation with different instruments and sounds, and he often used unusual combinations of instruments in his compositions. In "The Immovable Do," he uses a saxophone or woodwind choir to create a rich and complex sound that is both powerful and delicate. Overall, "The Immovable Do (The Ciphering C)" is a fascinating and innovative composition that showcases Grainger's unique musical style and his willingness to experiment with new sounds and techniques. Its premiere in 1941 marked a significant moment in the history of modern music, and it continues to be a popular and influential work to this day.

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