Composer

:

Mary Ellen Childs

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Compose Date

:

1988

Average_duration

:

14:34

"Parterre" is a contemporary classical composition by American composer Mary Ellen Childs. The piece was composed in 1993 and premiered on October 22, 1993, at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota. "Parterre" is a three-movement work for string quartet and percussion. The first movement, titled "Garden," is characterized by a lively and rhythmic melody that is passed between the instruments. The percussion adds a playful and whimsical element to the piece, evoking the image of a garden in full bloom. The second movement, "Labyrinth," is more introspective and contemplative. The strings create a haunting and mysterious atmosphere, while the percussion provides a steady and hypnotic pulse. The movement builds to a climax before fading away into silence. The final movement, "Fountain," is the most energetic and dynamic of the three. The strings and percussion work together to create a sense of movement and flow, like water cascading from a fountain. The movement is characterized by complex rhythms and intricate interplay between the instruments. Overall, "Parterre" is a vibrant and engaging work that showcases Childs' skill as a composer. The piece draws on a variety of musical influences, including classical, jazz, and world music, to create a unique and compelling sound. The use of percussion adds an extra layer of texture and complexity to the piece, making it a standout work in the contemporary classical repertoire.

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