Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Piece

Compose Date

:

1970

Average_duration

:

5:29

Morton Feldman's 'The Viola in My Life 3' is a composition for solo viola that was completed in 1971. The piece was premiered on October 22, 1971, by violist Karen Phillips at the University of California, San Diego. The composition consists of four movements, each of which is characterized by a slow and meditative pace. The first movement is marked by long, sustained notes that gradually shift in pitch and intensity. The second movement features a series of delicate, high-pitched harmonics that create a shimmering, ethereal effect. The third movement is more rhythmic, with a repeated pattern of short, staccato notes that gradually build in intensity. The final movement returns to the slow, meditative pace of the first movement, with long, sustained notes that gradually fade away. One of the defining characteristics of 'The Viola in My Life 3' is its use of silence and space. Feldman was known for his interest in the concept of "indeterminate" music, which allowed for a greater degree of freedom and spontaneity in the performance. In this piece, he uses silence and space to create a sense of openness and possibility, allowing the performer to explore the nuances of each note and phrase. Another notable aspect of the composition is its use of microtonality. Feldman was interested in exploring the spaces between traditional Western musical intervals, and he often used microtonal intervals to create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty. In 'The Viola in My Life 3', he uses microtonal intervals to create a sense of tension and dissonance, which is then resolved through the slow, gradual shifts in pitch and intensity. Overall, 'The Viola in My Life 3' is a haunting and meditative composition that showcases Feldman's unique approach to music. Through its use of silence, space, and microtonality, it creates a sense of openness and possibility that invites the listener to explore the nuances of each note and phrase.

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