Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

7:36

Morton Feldman's 'Routine Investigations' is a composition for flute, percussion, and piano. It was composed in 1976 and premiered on May 7, 1977, at the University of California, San Diego. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked "Slowly, with great calm," is characterized by its sparse textures and long, sustained notes. The flute and piano play simple, repetitive patterns while the percussionist provides occasional accents. The overall effect is one of stillness and contemplation. The second movement, marked "Very slow and quiet," is even more sparse than the first. The flute and piano play delicate, high-pitched notes while the percussionist provides occasional soft, muffled sounds. The effect is one of extreme quietness and intimacy. The third movement, marked "Slowly, with great calm," returns to the more active textures of the first movement. The flute and piano play more complex patterns while the percussionist provides a steady, rhythmic pulse. The overall effect is one of gentle motion and stability. Throughout the piece, Feldman's characteristic use of silence and repetition is evident. The sparse textures and long, sustained notes create a sense of timelessness and contemplation. The use of percussion is also notable, as it provides occasional accents and a steady pulse without dominating the texture. Overall, 'Routine Investigations' is a beautiful and meditative work that showcases Feldman's unique approach to composition. Its spare textures and use of silence create a sense of stillness and contemplation, while its occasional bursts of activity provide a gentle sense of motion and stability.

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