Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1983

Average_duration

:

87:21

Crippled Symmetry is a composition by Morton Feldman, an American composer known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to music. The piece was composed in 1983 and premiered on October 16, 1983, at the University of California, Berkeley. Crippled Symmetry is a work for flute, piano, and percussion, and is divided into four movements. The first movement is marked "extremely quiet and delicate," and features sparse, delicate textures that gradually build in intensity. The second movement is more rhythmic and energetic, with the percussion taking a more prominent role. The third movement is marked by a series of sustained chords, which gradually shift in color and texture. The final movement returns to the sparse textures of the first movement, with the flute and piano playing delicate, interlocking lines. One of the defining characteristics of Crippled Symmetry is its use of silence and space. Feldman was known for his interest in the concept of "indeterminate" music, which allowed for a greater degree of freedom and spontaneity in the performance. In Crippled Symmetry, this approach is reflected in the use of long silences and pauses, which create a sense of tension and anticipation. Another notable feature of Crippled Symmetry is its use of unconventional instrumentation. The combination of flute, piano, and percussion is not a common one, and Feldman uses these instruments in unconventional ways, exploring their unique timbres and textures. Overall, Crippled Symmetry is a challenging and thought-provoking work that reflects Feldman's interest in exploring the boundaries of traditional musical forms and structures. Its use of silence, unconventional instrumentation, and indeterminate elements make it a unique and compelling piece of music.

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