Composer

:

Stefan Wolpe

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1954

Publication Date

:

1955

Average_duration

:

24:25

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Stefan Wolpe's 'Piece for Oboe, Cello, Percussion & Piano, C. 130' is a modernist composition that was composed in 1955. The piece premiered on May 10, 1956, at the Carnegie Recital Hall in New York City. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro," is characterized by its driving rhythms and angular melodies. The oboe and cello play in unison, creating a sense of urgency and tension. The percussion and piano provide a rhythmic foundation, with the percussion adding accents and the piano playing rapid, staccato chords. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before abruptly ending. The second movement, marked "Lento," is a stark contrast to the first. It is slow and contemplative, with the oboe and cello playing long, sustained notes. The percussion and piano provide a subtle, atmospheric accompaniment, with the percussion playing soft, muffled sounds and the piano playing sparse, dissonant chords. The movement has a haunting, otherworldly quality. The third movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," returns to the driving rhythms and angular melodies of the first. The oboe and cello play in unison once again, with the percussion and piano providing a frenetic accompaniment. The movement is marked by sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics, creating a sense of unpredictability and excitement. The piece ends with a sudden, explosive chord. Overall, 'Piece for Oboe, Cello, Percussion & Piano, C. 130' is a challenging and complex composition that showcases Wolpe's modernist style. The piece is characterized by its angular melodies, driving rhythms, and dissonant harmonies, as well as its use of unconventional percussion instruments such as the tam-tam and wood blocks. Despite its difficulty, the piece has become a staple of the modern chamber music repertoire.

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