Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

17:40

Morton Feldman's 'Orchestra' is a composition for large orchestra that was composed in 1976. The piece was premiered on October 14, 1976, by the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas. 'Orchestra' is a single movement work that lasts approximately 75 minutes. The piece is characterized by its slow, quiet, and spacious sound world. Feldman's use of long, sustained tones and delicate textures creates a sense of timelessness and contemplation. The piece is also notable for its use of silence, which is used to create a sense of tension and anticipation. The instrumentation of 'Orchestra' is vast, including a large string section, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and harp. Feldman's use of orchestration is highly nuanced, with each instrument given its own unique voice and role within the overall texture of the piece. The structure of 'Orchestra' is non-linear, with no clear sense of beginning, middle, or end. Instead, the piece unfolds gradually, with each section flowing seamlessly into the next. Feldman's use of repetition and variation creates a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the work. Overall, 'Orchestra' is a masterful example of Feldman's unique approach to composition. The piece is characterized by its spaciousness, delicacy, and sense of timelessness, and is a testament to Feldman's ability to create a deeply contemplative and meditative sound world.

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