Composer

:

Stephen Rush

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1983

Average_duration

:

6:09

"Rebellion" is a contemporary classical composition by Stephen Rush, an American composer, pianist, and improviser. The piece was composed in 2017 and premiered on March 23, 2018, at the University of Michigan's McIntosh Theatre. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and musical language. The first movement, titled "Riot," is a fast-paced and energetic piece that features driving rhythms and dissonant harmonies. The second movement, "Lament," is a slower and more introspective piece that explores themes of loss and mourning. The final movement, "Revolution," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that features bold melodies and powerful rhythms. One of the defining characteristics of "Rebellion" is its use of improvisation. While the composition is fully notated, Rush has included sections where the performers are encouraged to improvise and explore their own musical ideas. This allows for a greater sense of spontaneity and creativity in the performance, and gives each performance of the piece a unique character. Another notable aspect of "Rebellion" is its use of extended techniques. Rush has incorporated a variety of unconventional playing techniques into the composition, such as plucking the strings inside the piano, using mallets to strike the strings, and playing the piano with various objects. These techniques add a new dimension to the sound of the piano, and help to create a more varied and expressive sonic palette. Overall, "Rebellion" is a dynamic and engaging composition that showcases Rush's skill as a composer and improviser. Its use of improvisation and extended techniques, combined with its powerful and evocative musical language, make it a standout work in the contemporary classical repertoire.

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