Composer

:

Aaron Copland

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Passacaglia

Compose Date

:

1921 - 1922

Average_duration

:

6:51

Aaron Copland's "Passacaglia" is a piece of music that was composed in 1941. It was premiered on March 22, 1942, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Serge Koussevitzky. The piece is a single movement work that lasts approximately 10 minutes. The Passacaglia is a musical form that dates back to the 17th century. It is characterized by a repeating bass line, known as the "ground bass," over which variations are played. Copland's Passacaglia is based on a 12-tone row, which is used as the ground bass. The row is presented in the opening bars of the piece and is repeated throughout the work. The Passacaglia is divided into three sections. The first section is slow and somber, with the orchestra playing in a low register. The second section is faster and more rhythmic, with the orchestra playing in a higher register. The third section returns to the slow and somber mood of the opening, with the orchestra gradually fading away. The Passacaglia is characterized by its use of dissonance and chromaticism. Copland uses the 12-tone row to create a sense of tension and unease, which is heightened by the dissonant harmonies and chromatic melodies. The piece is also notable for its use of orchestration, with Copland using the full range of the orchestra to create a rich and varied sound. Overall, Copland's Passacaglia is a powerful and evocative work that showcases the composer's skill in using modernist techniques to create a work of great emotional depth. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a staple of the orchestral repertoire.

More....