Composer

:

Georges Aperghis

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1977 - 1978

Average_duration

:

43:04

'Récitations' is a composition by the Greek-French composer Georges Aperghis, which was composed in 1978. The piece was premiered in Paris in the same year and has since become one of Aperghis' most well-known works. 'Récitations' is a solo vocal work that consists of 14 movements, each of which is based on a different text. The texts are taken from a variety of sources, including literature, philosophy, and everyday conversation. Aperghis has described the piece as a "musical diary" that reflects his own experiences and observations of the world around him. The movements of 'Récitations' are characterized by their highly fragmented and disjointed nature. The texts are often broken up into small, isolated phrases, which are then repeated and recombined in various ways. The vocal part is also highly virtuosic, requiring the performer to navigate complex rhythms, extended techniques, and rapid shifts in register and dynamics. Despite its challenging nature, 'Récitations' has become a popular work among contemporary vocalists and has been performed by a number of prominent singers, including Barbara Hannigan and Donatienne Michel-Dansac. The piece has also been adapted for other instruments, including piano and percussion. Overall, 'Récitations' is a groundbreaking work that showcases Aperghis' unique approach to vocal composition. Its fragmented structure and virtuosic vocal writing make it a challenging but rewarding piece for performers and audiences alike.

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