Composer

:

Vakhtang Kakhidze

Compose Date

:

1994

First Performance

:

1994

Average_duration

:

22:26

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

'Moon Dances' is a contemporary classical composition by Georgian composer Vakhtang Kakhidze. The piece was composed in 1999 and premiered in Tbilisi, Georgia in the same year. The composition consists of three movements, each of which is characterized by a unique mood and style. The first movement, titled "Moonrise," is a slow and contemplative piece that features a haunting melody played by the strings. The second movement, "Moonlight," is more lively and rhythmic, with a playful melody that is passed between the different sections of the orchestra. The final movement, "Moonset," is a somber and melancholic piece that features a mournful melody played by the woodwinds. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Moon Dances' is its use of unconventional instrumentation. In addition to the standard orchestral instruments, Kakhidze incorporates a variety of ethnic instruments, including the duduk, a traditional Armenian woodwind instrument, and the panduri, a Georgian stringed instrument. These instruments add a unique flavor to the composition and help to create a sense of cultural identity. Another notable aspect of 'Moon Dances' is its use of extended techniques. Throughout the piece, Kakhidze employs a variety of unconventional playing techniques, such as col legno (striking the strings with the wood of the bow) and sul ponticello (playing near the bridge of the instrument to create a harsh, metallic sound). These techniques add a sense of experimentation and innovation to the composition, and help to create a sense of tension and drama. Overall, 'Moon Dances' is a powerful and evocative composition that showcases Kakhidze's unique style and creative vision. Through its use of unconventional instrumentation and extended techniques, the piece creates a sense of cultural identity and experimentation that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

More....