Composer

:

Aleksandra Vrebalov

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

21:46

'...Hold me, neighbor, in this storm…' is a contemporary classical composition by Serbian-American composer Aleksandra Vrebalov. The piece was commissioned by the Kronos Quartet and premiered on March 1, 2018, at the Zankel Hall in New York City. The composition consists of four movements, each with its own unique character and mood. The first movement, titled "Lament," is a slow and mournful piece that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement, "Dance," is a lively and rhythmic section that features complex rhythms and intricate interplay between the instruments. The third movement, "Song," is a lyrical and expressive section that showcases the beauty and versatility of the string quartet. The final movement, "Prayer," is a quiet and introspective piece that brings the work to a peaceful and contemplative close. One of the defining characteristics of '...Hold me, neighbor, in this storm…' is its use of Balkan folk music influences. Vrebalov draws on her Serbian heritage to infuse the work with traditional melodies and rhythms, creating a unique and evocative sound that blends the old and the new. The piece also features extended techniques and unconventional playing methods, such as bowing the strings with a glass slide or tapping the body of the instruments, which add to the work's experimental and innovative nature. Overall, '...Hold me, neighbor, in this storm…' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Vrebalov's skill as a composer and the Kronos Quartet's virtuosity as performers. Its combination of traditional and contemporary elements creates a work that is both timeless and relevant, and its emotional depth and complexity make it a standout piece in the contemporary classical repertoire.

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