Composer

:

György Ligeti

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1966

Average_duration

:

16:18

Volumina is a composition for solo organ, composed by the Hungarian composer György Ligeti in 1961-62. It was premiered on May 14, 1962, at the Donaueschingen Festival in Germany, by the organist Karl-Erik Welin. The piece is divided into two movements, with a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. The first movement of Volumina is characterized by its use of clusters and glissandi, creating a dense and dissonant texture. The organist is instructed to play with both hands and feet, using all available stops and pedals to create a massive sound. The movement is marked by sudden shifts in dynamics and register, creating a sense of tension and release. The second movement of Volumina is more subdued, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative mood. The organist is instructed to play with the hands only, using a limited range of stops and pedals. The movement is characterized by its use of sustained tones and subtle variations in timbre, creating a sense of stasis and introspection. Overall, Volumina is a challenging and innovative work that pushes the boundaries of what is possible on the organ. It showcases Ligeti's interest in exploring new sounds and textures, and his willingness to experiment with unconventional techniques and approaches to composition. The piece has become a staple of the contemporary organ repertoire, and is widely regarded as one of Ligeti's most important works.

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