Composer

:

Edgar Meyer

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Open Form

Average_duration

:

4:44

"Sliding Down" is a contemporary classical composition by American bassist and composer Edgar Meyer. The piece was composed in 1994 and premiered the same year at the Aspen Music Festival. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Moderato," begins with a solo bass line that sets the tone for the entire piece. The melody is simple and repetitive, but the harmonies are complex and constantly shifting. The movement builds in intensity, with the bass line becoming more intricate and the harmonies becoming more dissonant. The second movement, marked "Adagio," is a slow and mournful piece that features a solo cello. The cello plays a simple melody that is repeated and developed throughout the movement. The bass provides a subtle accompaniment, with occasional bursts of virtuosic playing. The harmonies are more consonant in this movement, creating a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. The final movement, marked "Allegro," is a fast and energetic piece that features both the bass and cello. The movement is characterized by its driving rhythm and intricate interplay between the two instruments. The bass and cello trade off melodies and harmonies, creating a sense of playful competition. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before ending abruptly. Overall, "Sliding Down" is a complex and challenging composition that showcases Meyer's virtuosic playing and compositional skills. The piece is notable for its use of shifting harmonies and rhythms, as well as its incorporation of both classical and folk music elements.

More....