Composer

:

Wolfgang Rihm

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1972

First Performance

:

Apr 25, 1976

Average_duration

:

24:00

Wolfgang Rihm's 'Paraphrase' is a contemporary classical composition for solo piano. It was composed in 1990 and premiered on October 14, 1990, in Donaueschingen, Germany, by pianist Nicolas Hodges. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Sehr schnell und wild" (very fast and wild), is characterized by its frenzied energy and virtuosic piano writing. The pianist is required to play rapid, complex runs and arpeggios, often with both hands at once. The music is dissonant and atonal, with frequent use of clusters and angular melodies. The second movement, marked "Sehr langsam und zart" (very slow and tender), is a stark contrast to the first. It is a quiet, introspective meditation on a simple melody. The pianist plays with a delicate touch, using the sustain pedal to create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere. The harmonies are more tonal than in the first movement, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The final movement, marked "Sehr schnell und wild" (very fast and wild), returns to the frenzied energy of the first. However, this time the music is more structured, with clear rhythmic patterns and repeated motifs. The pianist is required to play with great power and intensity, building to a climactic finish. Overall, 'Paraphrase' is a challenging and complex work that showcases Rihm's mastery of contemporary piano writing. It is a virtuosic tour-de-force that demands a high level of technical skill and musical sensitivity from the performer.

More....