Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1963

Average_duration

:

3:44

Morton Feldman's 'Piano Piece' is a minimalist composition that was composed in 1964. The piece premiered on May 9, 1964, at the University of California, San Diego. It is a single movement work that lasts for approximately 5 minutes. The piece is characterized by its use of silence and repetition. The performer is instructed to play a series of chords, each of which is to be held for an indeterminate amount of time. The chords are to be played softly, with a light touch, and with a sense of detachment. The performer is also instructed to pause between each chord, allowing the sound to dissipate before moving on to the next one. The use of silence in 'Piano Piece' is particularly striking. The pauses between the chords are just as important as the chords themselves, and they create a sense of tension and anticipation. The repetition of the chords also contributes to this sense of tension, as the listener is never quite sure when the piece will end. Overall, 'Piano Piece' is a meditative and introspective work that invites the listener to focus on the subtle nuances of sound and silence. It is a testament to Feldman's minimalist aesthetic, which emphasizes the beauty of simplicity and the power of restraint.

More....