Composer

:

Giya Kancheli

Compose Date

:

1972

Movement_count

:

1

Movement ....

"When Almonds Blossomed" is a composition by Georgian composer Giya Kancheli. It was composed in 1996 and premiered in the same year in Tbilisi, Georgia. The piece is divided into three movements and is scored for string orchestra, percussion, and tape. The first movement, "Lento," begins with a mournful melody played by the strings. The percussion enters with a steady, pulsing rhythm, creating a sense of tension and unease. The tape part adds layers of sound, including the sound of a train whistle and a choir singing in Georgian. The movement builds to a climax before fading away into silence. The second movement, "Allegro," is more upbeat and energetic. The strings play a lively, dance-like melody while the percussion provides a driving rhythm. The tape part includes the sound of a clock ticking and a child's voice singing a Georgian folk song. The movement ends abruptly, leading into the final movement. The third movement, "Lento," returns to the mournful mood of the first movement. The strings play a haunting melody while the percussion provides a subtle, atmospheric accompaniment. The tape part includes the sound of a choir singing in Georgian and the sound of a train passing by. The movement ends with a sense of unresolved tension. Overall, "When Almonds Blossomed" is a haunting and evocative piece that combines elements of Georgian folk music with modernist techniques. The use of tape adds an extra layer of complexity to the piece, creating a sense of depth and richness. The piece is a testament to Kancheli's skill as a composer and his ability to create powerful emotional experiences through music.

More....