Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1986

Average_duration

:

32:52

For Stefan Wolpe is a composition by Morton Feldman, written in 1986. It was premiered on October 26, 1986, at the University of Buffalo, New York, by the New Performance Group. The piece is a tribute to the composer Stefan Wolpe, who was a friend and mentor to Feldman. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with long, sustained notes and a sense of spaciousness. The second movement is more active, with faster rhythms and more complex textures. The third movement returns to the slower, more contemplative mood of the first, but with a greater sense of urgency and intensity. One of the most striking characteristics of For Stefan Wolpe is its use of silence. Feldman was known for his interest in silence and the spaces between sounds, and this piece is no exception. There are long stretches of silence throughout the composition, which serve to heighten the impact of the sounds when they do occur. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of unconventional instrumentation. The score calls for a variety of instruments, including piano, percussion, flute, clarinet, and cello, but the performers are also instructed to use a variety of objects as well, such as metal pipes, wooden blocks, and even a typewriter. This creates a unique and unpredictable sound world that is both fascinating and challenging for the listener. Overall, For Stefan Wolpe is a beautiful and haunting tribute to a great composer, and a testament to Feldman's own unique voice as a composer. Its use of silence, unconventional instrumentation, and shifting moods make it a fascinating and rewarding piece to listen to.

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