Composer

:

Giacinto Scelsi

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1964

Average_duration

:

12:17

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Giacinto Scelsi's Xynobis is a solo work for double bass, composed in 1964. The piece was premiered in Paris in 1965 by the double bassist Fernando Grillo. Xynobis is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 10 minutes. The piece is characterized by Scelsi's use of microtonality and extended techniques on the double bass. The performer is required to use a variety of unconventional techniques, including playing behind the bridge, using harmonics, and playing with the bow on the fingerboard. These techniques create a unique sound world that is both haunting and otherworldly. The piece is divided into several sections, each with its own distinct character. The opening section is marked by slow, sustained notes that gradually build in intensity. The middle section features more aggressive playing, with the performer using the bow to create harsh, scraping sounds. The final section returns to the slow, sustained notes of the opening, but with a sense of resolution and finality. Overall, Xynobis is a challenging and complex work that requires a skilled performer to bring out its full potential. Scelsi's use of microtonality and extended techniques creates a unique sound world that is both captivating and unsettling. The piece is a testament to Scelsi's innovative approach to composition and his willingness to push the boundaries of what was possible on traditional instruments.

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