Composer

:

George Crumb

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Piece

Compose Date

:

1977

Average_duration

:

35:43

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

"Star-Child" is a composition for soprano and amplified piano, composed by George Crumb in 1977. The piece was premiered on October 28, 1977, at the University of Michigan by soprano Ann Crumb and pianist James Freeman. The composition consists of three movements, each of which is based on a poem by James Agee. The first movement, "The Night of the Electric Insects," is a haunting and atmospheric piece that features the soprano singing in a high, ethereal register while the piano creates a buzzing, insect-like sound. The second movement, "Agnus Dei," is a more traditional vocal piece that features the soprano singing a Latin text over a simple, chordal accompaniment. The final movement, "The Mystic Trumpeter," is a dramatic and powerful piece that features the soprano singing a text based on a poem by Walt Whitman. One of the most striking characteristics of "Star-Child" is its use of extended vocal techniques. Throughout the piece, the soprano is called upon to use a wide range of vocal effects, including whispering, speaking, and singing in a variety of registers and timbres. The piano is also amplified, allowing Crumb to create a wide range of unusual sounds and textures. Overall, "Star-Child" is a challenging and innovative work that showcases Crumb's unique approach to composition. Its use of extended vocal techniques and unconventional instrumentation make it a landmark piece in the contemporary classical repertoire.

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