Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1963

Average_duration

:

4:51

Morton Feldman's 'Vertical Thoughts 4' is a composition for solo piano that was composed in 1963. The piece was premiered on May 16, 1964, by David Tudor at the University of Illinois. The composition consists of four movements, each of which is characterized by its use of silence, repetition, and extended durations. The first movement of 'Vertical Thoughts 4' is marked by its use of silence and sparse, isolated notes. The pianist is instructed to play each note with great care, allowing each sound to resonate fully before moving on to the next. The second movement is more active, with a series of repeated notes that gradually build in intensity. The third movement returns to the sparse, isolated notes of the first movement, but with a greater sense of urgency and tension. The final movement is the longest and most complex, with a series of overlapping patterns that create a sense of constant motion and change. Throughout 'Vertical Thoughts 4', Feldman emphasizes the importance of silence and space in his music. The pauses between notes are just as important as the notes themselves, and the pianist is instructed to allow each sound to decay fully before moving on to the next. This creates a sense of spaciousness and contemplation that is characteristic of much of Feldman's work. Another characteristic of 'Vertical Thoughts 4' is its use of repetition. The repeated notes and patterns create a sense of hypnotic trance that draws the listener in and encourages them to focus on the subtle changes and variations that occur over time. This repetition also creates a sense of timelessness, as the listener loses track of the passing minutes and becomes absorbed in the music. Overall, 'Vertical Thoughts 4' is a challenging and rewarding composition that showcases Feldman's unique approach to music. Its use of silence, repetition, and extended durations creates a sense of spaciousness and contemplation that is both meditative and engaging.

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