Composer

:

Tom Johnson

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

10:16

"Failing: A Very Difficult Piece" is a composition by American composer Tom Johnson. It was composed in 1975 and premiered the same year in New York City. The piece is a solo for any instrument, and the performer is required to play a series of short, simple musical phrases that gradually become more complex and difficult to play. The piece is divided into 10 movements, each of which presents a new challenge for the performer. The first movement consists of a single note, which the performer must play repeatedly for a set amount of time. The second movement adds a second note, and so on, until the final movement requires the performer to play a complex series of notes and rhythms. One of the unique characteristics of "Failing" is that the performer is expected to make mistakes. The piece is designed to be difficult to play, and the performer is encouraged to push themselves to their limits. As the title suggests, the piece is about failing and the struggle to overcome challenges. Despite its difficulty, "Failing" has become a popular piece among musicians and has been performed on a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, and saxophone. The piece is often used as a teaching tool for musicians, as it encourages them to push themselves and embrace the process of learning and improving. Overall, "Failing: A Very Difficult Piece" is a challenging and thought-provoking composition that explores the themes of failure and perseverance. Its unique structure and emphasis on mistakes make it a standout work in the contemporary classical music repertoire.

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