Composer

:

John Stevens

Genre

:

Chamber

Average_duration

:

6:19

"Talisman" is a contemporary classical composition by John Stevens, an American composer and percussionist. The piece was composed in 1999 and premiered on March 4, 2000, by the New York Philharmonic under the direction of Kurt Masur. "Talisman" is a single-movement work that lasts approximately 20 minutes. The piece is scored for a large orchestra, including percussion, strings, woodwinds, and brass. The composition is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and a wide range of dynamics. The piece begins with a slow, mysterious introduction featuring the strings and woodwinds. The percussion enters with a driving rhythm, and the brass section adds a sense of urgency to the music. The tempo gradually increases, and the music becomes more intense and frenzied. The middle section of the piece features a solo violin, which plays a haunting melody over a bed of shimmering strings. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the percussion and brass sections adding layers of sound and texture. The final section of the piece is marked by a return to the driving rhythm of the opening. The music becomes increasingly frenetic, with the percussion and brass sections driving the music forward to a thrilling conclusion. Overall, "Talisman" is a powerful and dynamic work that showcases John Stevens' skill as a composer and percussionist. The piece is characterized by its complex rhythms, intricate harmonies, and intense energy, making it a thrilling addition to any orchestral program.

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