Composer

:

Anders Hillborg

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

5:22

U-tangia-na is a contemporary classical piece composed by Swedish composer Anders Hillborg in 2013. The piece was commissioned by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra and premiered on September 19, 2013, at the Stockholm Concert Hall, conducted by Sakari Oramo. The title of the piece, U-tangia-na, is a Swahili phrase that means "Can you hear me?" The piece is inspired by the composer's experience of hearing the sounds of the African savannah during a trip to Tanzania. Hillborg wanted to capture the sounds of the animals, the wind, and the landscape in his music. U-tangia-na is a single-movement piece that lasts approximately 20 minutes. The piece is scored for a large orchestra, including percussion, strings, woodwinds, and brass. The piece begins with a quiet, atmospheric introduction that gradually builds in intensity. The music is characterized by a sense of motion and energy, with driving rhythms and pulsing ostinatos. Throughout the piece, Hillborg uses a variety of extended techniques to create unique sounds and textures. For example, the strings are often asked to play harmonics, creating a shimmering, ethereal effect. The percussion section is also featured prominently, with a variety of instruments used to create complex rhythms and textures. One of the most striking features of U-tangia-na is the use of vocalizations by the orchestra members. Throughout the piece, the musicians are asked to make a variety of sounds, including whispers, hisses, and animal-like noises. These vocalizations add to the sense of the music being alive and organic, as if the orchestra itself is a part of the natural world. Overall, U-tangia-na is a powerful and evocative piece of music that captures the sounds and spirit of the African savannah. Hillborg's use of extended techniques and vocalizations creates a unique and immersive listening experience that is both thrilling and meditative.

More....