Composer

:

Wolfgang Rihm

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

2007

Average_duration

:

11:02

Wolfgang Rihm's 'Sotto voce No. 2' is a contemporary classical composition that premiered on October 22, 1998, in Frankfurt, Germany. The piece is a part of Rihm's 'Sotto voce' series, which explores the concept of 'whispering' or 'speaking softly' in music. 'Sotto voce No. 2' is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 15 minutes. The piece is scored for a chamber ensemble consisting of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and piano. The instrumentation is sparse, with each instrument often playing independently of the others, creating a sense of isolation and introspection. The piece begins with a soft, sustained note in the piano, which is gradually joined by the other instruments. The music is characterized by a sense of restraint and tension, with each instrument playing short, fragmented phrases that seem to be searching for a resolution. The flute and clarinet often play in unison, creating a haunting, ethereal sound. As the piece progresses, the music becomes more agitated, with the instruments playing faster and more complex rhythms. The cello takes on a more prominent role, playing long, sustained notes that provide a sense of stability amidst the chaos. The piano also becomes more active, playing rapid, dissonant chords that add to the sense of tension. The climax of the piece comes towards the end, with all the instruments playing together in a frenzied, chaotic passage. The music then gradually fades away, with the piano playing a soft, sustained chord that brings the piece to a close. Overall, 'Sotto voce No. 2' is a haunting and introspective work that explores the concept of 'whispering' in music. The sparse instrumentation and fragmented phrases create a sense of isolation and tension, while the use of unison and dissonance adds to the haunting, ethereal quality of the music.

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