Composer

:

Iannis Xenakis

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1969

Average_duration

:

24:47

Persephassa is a composition for six percussionists, composed by Iannis Xenakis in 1969. The piece was premiered on June 6, 1969, at the Shiraz Arts Festival in Iran. The title of the piece is derived from the Greek myth of Persephone, who was abducted by Hades and taken to the underworld. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, titled "Metastaseis," is characterized by a gradual buildup of sound. The percussionists begin by playing individual notes on a variety of instruments, including maracas, cymbals, and drums. As the movement progresses, the notes become more complex and the rhythms more intricate. The overall effect is one of tension and anticipation, as the listener waits for the climax of the movement. The second movement, titled "Pithoprakta," is more chaotic and dissonant than the first. The percussionists play in a frenzied, almost violent manner, with each instrument contributing to a dense, cacophonous texture. The movement is marked by sudden shifts in dynamics and tempo, creating a sense of instability and unpredictability. The final movement, titled "Eonta," is the most rhythmically complex of the three. The percussionists play in a highly synchronized manner, with each instrument contributing to a complex, interlocking pattern of rhythms. The movement is characterized by a sense of forward motion and momentum, as the rhythms build to a frenzied climax. Overall, Persephassa is a challenging and innovative composition that showcases Xenakis's unique approach to percussion music. The piece is characterized by its use of complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and unconventional playing techniques, and it remains a landmark work in the percussion repertoire.

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