Composer

:

Ben Johnston

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1989

Average_duration

:

10:44

'Ponder Nothing' is a composition by Ben Johnston, an American composer known for his use of microtonal tuning systems. The piece was composed in 1982 and premiered on April 22, 1983, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. 'Ponder Nothing' is a three-movement work for string quartet. The first movement, titled "Ponder Nothing," is a slow and contemplative piece that features long, sustained notes and a sense of stillness. The second movement, "Dance," is a lively and rhythmic piece that features complex rhythms and intricate interplay between the four instruments. The final movement, "Song," is a lyrical and expressive piece that features a soaring melody and rich harmonies. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Ponder Nothing' is Johnston's use of just intonation, a tuning system that uses pure intervals based on the harmonic series. This allows for a greater range of harmonic possibilities than the standard equal-tempered tuning system used in most Western music. Johnston also employs a variety of extended techniques, such as glissandi, harmonics, and pizzicato, to create a wide range of timbres and textures. Overall, 'Ponder Nothing' is a complex and challenging work that showcases Johnston's innovative approach to tuning and his mastery of string quartet writing. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a staple of the contemporary string quartet repertoire.

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