Composer

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Ann Southam

Genre

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Keyboard

Style

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Keyboard

'Rivers' is a contemporary classical composition by Canadian composer Ann Southam. It was composed in 1981 and premiered in Toronto the same year. The piece consists of four movements, each named after a different river: "St. Lawrence", "Red River", "Thames", and "Humber". The first movement, "St. Lawrence", is characterized by a flowing, rippling melody that evokes the movement of water. The second movement, "Red River", is more subdued and introspective, with a haunting melody that gradually builds in intensity. The third movement, "Thames", is more lively and playful, with a bouncy, syncopated rhythm that suggests the movement of a river through a bustling city. The final movement, "Humber", is the most dramatic and intense of the four, with a powerful, driving rhythm that builds to a thrilling climax. Overall, 'Rivers' is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that captures the essence of four different rivers and the different moods and emotions they can evoke. Southam's use of repetition and variation creates a sense of continuity and flow throughout the piece, while her use of different rhythms and melodies gives each movement its own unique character. The result is a stunning work of contemporary classical music that is both accessible and deeply moving.

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