Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1981

Average_duration

:

20:14

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

"Views from the Oldest House" is a composition for solo piano by American composer Ned Rorem. It was composed in 1971 and premiered on October 17, 1971, by pianist Charles Wadsworth at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The piece consists of four movements, each of which is named after a room in the oldest house in America, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The first movement, "The Living Room," is marked "Moderato" and features a lyrical melody that is passed between the hands of the pianist. The second movement, "The Dining Room," is marked "Allegro" and is a lively and playful scherzo. The third movement, "The Bedroom," is marked "Lento" and is a slow and introspective piece that features a haunting melody in the right hand. The final movement, "The Kitchen," is marked "Allegro con brio" and is a fast and energetic piece that brings the composition to a thrilling conclusion. One of the characteristics of "Views from the Oldest House" is its use of tonality. Rorem employs a traditional tonal language throughout the piece, with clear harmonic progressions and a sense of resolution at the end of each movement. However, he also incorporates dissonant harmonies and unexpected chord changes, giving the piece a modern edge. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of texture. Rorem frequently employs thick, chordal textures in the left hand while the right hand plays a melody or runs. This creates a sense of depth and richness in the music. Overall, "Views from the Oldest House" is a beautiful and engaging piece of music that showcases Rorem's skill as a composer. Its use of tonality and texture make it accessible to a wide range of listeners, while its modern edge keeps it fresh and exciting.

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