Composer

:

Goffredo Petrassi

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1983

Average_duration

:

8:42

Frammento is a composition for orchestra by Italian composer Goffredo Petrassi. It was composed in 1958 and premiered on January 22, 1959, in Rome, Italy, conducted by the composer himself. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro," is characterized by its driving rhythms and angular melodies. The orchestra is used in a percussive manner, with the brass and percussion sections often playing in unison. The movement is structured around a series of contrasting sections, with the music constantly shifting in mood and texture. The second movement, marked "Lento," is a stark contrast to the first. It is a slow, mournful piece that features a solo violin playing a haunting melody over a bed of sustained strings. The music is spare and atmospheric, with long, sustained notes creating a sense of tension and unease. The final movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a return to the driving rhythms and angular melodies of the first. The music is frenetic and intense, with the orchestra building to a powerful climax. The movement ends with a sudden, explosive chord that brings the piece to a dramatic close. Overall, Frammento is a challenging and complex work that showcases Petrassi's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally powerful. It is a testament to his status as one of the most important Italian composers of the 20th century.

More....