Composer

:

Elliott Sharp

Genre

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

2013

Average_duration

:

17:40

Flexagons is a contemporary composition by Elliott Sharp, an American composer, multi-instrumentalist, and performer. The piece was composed in 2016 and premiered on October 22, 2016, at the Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn, New York. Flexagons is a multi-movement work that explores the concept of flexagons, a mathematical object that can be folded in different ways to reveal different patterns. The piece is scored for a large ensemble, including woodwinds, brass, strings, percussion, and electronics. The first movement, titled "Fold and Unfold," introduces the main theme of the piece, which is a series of interlocking rhythms and melodies that are constantly shifting and evolving. The music is characterized by its complex polyrhythms and intricate harmonies, which create a sense of tension and release. The second movement, "Twist and Turn," builds on the themes introduced in the first movement, but adds a more improvisational element to the music. The ensemble is divided into smaller groups, each of which explores different variations on the main theme. The result is a kaleidoscopic tapestry of sound that is both chaotic and controlled. The third movement, "Bend and Flex," is the most experimental of the three. It features extended techniques and unconventional sounds, such as bowed percussion and prepared piano. The music is more abstract and atmospheric, with a focus on texture and timbre rather than melody and rhythm. Overall, Flexagons is a challenging and innovative work that showcases Elliott Sharp's unique approach to composition. It combines elements of jazz, classical, and experimental music to create a sound that is both familiar and unfamiliar. The piece is a testament to the power of mathematical concepts to inspire creative expression and push the boundaries of musical form.

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