Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1972

First Performance

:

Nov 11, 1973

Average_duration

:

7:42

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Einojuhani Rautavaara's "Pelimannit" is a piece for strings that was arranged from a piano version. The composition was completed in 1972 and premiered in Helsinki, Finland on May 4th of the same year. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Allegro," is characterized by its lively and energetic tempo. The strings play in unison, creating a sense of unity and cohesion. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a folk-like quality that is reminiscent of traditional Finnish music. The movement is marked by sudden shifts in dynamics, with the music alternating between loud and soft passages. The second movement, "Adagio," is a stark contrast to the first. It is slow and mournful, with a melancholic melody that is played in a minor key. The strings are used to create a sense of longing and sadness, with the music building to a powerful climax before fading away into silence. The movement is marked by its use of dissonance, with the strings playing in a way that creates a sense of tension and unease. The final movement, "Allegro vivace," is a return to the lively and energetic tempo of the first. The melody is more complex than in the previous movements, with the strings playing in a more intricate and varied way. The movement is marked by its use of syncopation, with the strings playing off-beat rhythms that create a sense of excitement and anticipation. The music builds to a frenzied climax before coming to a sudden stop. Overall, "Pelimannit" is a piece that showcases Rautavaara's skill as a composer. The use of strings creates a sense of warmth and intimacy, while the folk-like melodies give the piece a sense of tradition and history. The sudden shifts in dynamics and use of dissonance create a sense of tension and unease, while the syncopated rhythms and lively tempos create a sense of excitement and energy.

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