Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

1:27

Benjamin Britten's "Tema Sacher" is a composition for solo cello that was composed in 1976. It was premiered on October 12, 1976, at the Wigmore Hall in London by the cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. The piece is dedicated to the Swiss conductor Paul Sacher, who was a close friend and supporter of Britten. "Tema Sacher" consists of a single movement that is divided into three sections. The first section is marked "Lento rubato" and is characterized by a mournful, lyrical melody that is played by the cello. The second section is marked "Allegro molto" and is more energetic and rhythmic, with the cello playing fast, virtuosic passages. The final section is marked "Lento rubato" and returns to the melancholy mood of the opening section, with the cello playing a variation of the original melody. The piece is notable for its use of a twelve-tone row, which is a technique that was pioneered by the composer Arnold Schoenberg. The row is a series of twelve pitches that are used as the basis for the composition, with each pitch being used in a specific order and with specific rules for how it can be manipulated. Britten's use of the twelve-tone row in "Tema Sacher" is notable for its subtlety and flexibility, with the row being used to create a wide range of moods and textures. Overall, "Tema Sacher" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Britten's skill as a composer and Rostropovich's virtuosity as a cellist. It is a fitting tribute to Paul Sacher, who was a major figure in the world of classical music and a champion of contemporary composers like Britten.

More....