Composer

:

Wolfgang Rihm

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1983 - 1984

First Performance

:

Nov 21, 1984

Average_duration

:

10:53

Fremde Szene III is a contemporary classical composition by German composer Wolfgang Rihm. It was composed in 1993 and premiered on October 22, 1993, in Donaueschingen, Germany. The piece is part of a series of works by Rihm that explore the relationship between music and drama. Fremde Szene III 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 given ample space to express its own unique voice. The piece is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as flutter-tonguing on the flute and clarinet, and pizzicato and col legno on the strings. The piece is divided into several distinct sections, each with its own unique character and mood. The opening section is marked by a sense of unease and tension, with the instruments playing dissonant, angular lines that seem to be in conflict with one another. This tension gradually builds until it reaches a climax, after which the music becomes more introspective and contemplative. Throughout the piece, Rihm makes use of a wide range of textures and timbres, with the instruments often playing in unconventional ways. The piano, for example, is often used percussively, with the pianist striking the keys with the palm of their hand or plucking the strings inside the instrument. The strings, meanwhile, are often played with extended techniques, such as sul ponticello (playing near the bridge) or sul tasto (playing near the fingerboard). Despite its unconventional approach to instrumentation and technique, Fremde Szene III is a highly expressive and emotionally charged work. Rihm's use of dissonance and unconventional textures creates a sense of tension and unease that is both unsettling and captivating. The piece is a testament to Rihm's skill as a composer and his ability to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music.

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