Composer

:

Elliott Carter

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1994

First Performance

:

May 8, 1995

Average_duration

:

5:34

Figment No. 1 is a solo cello piece composed by Elliott Carter in 1994. It was premiered on October 22, 1994, by Fred Sherry at the Miller Theatre in New York City. The piece is divided into two movements, with a total duration of approximately six minutes. The first movement, marked "Legato molto," is characterized by a flowing, lyrical melody that is interrupted by sudden bursts of dissonant chords. The cello's range is explored extensively, with the performer required to play both high and low notes with equal ease. The movement ends with a series of harmonics that gradually fade away. The second movement, marked "Pizzicato," is a stark contrast to the first. The cello is played entirely with pizzicato, or plucked, notes. The rhythm is irregular, with sudden changes in tempo and dynamics. The performer is required to use a variety of techniques, including double stops and harmonics, to create a complex and intricate texture. The movement ends with a sudden, unexpected chord. Overall, Figment No. 1 is a challenging and complex piece that showcases Carter's mastery of modernist techniques. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance, irregular rhythms, and unconventional playing techniques. Despite its difficulty, it has become a popular work in the cello repertoire and is frequently performed by soloists around the world.

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