Composer

:

Matthew Tommasini

Genre

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

2009

Average_duration

:

9:03

"Torn Canvases" is a contemporary classical composition by American composer Matthew Tommasini. The piece was composed in 2015 and premiered on March 5, 2016, by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra at the Alex Theatre in Glendale, California. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, titled "Fractured," is marked by jagged rhythms and dissonant harmonies, creating a sense of tension and unease. The second movement, "Lament," is a slow and mournful piece, featuring a solo cello that sings a melancholic melody over a bed of strings. The final movement, "Reconciliation," is a more upbeat and optimistic piece, featuring lively rhythms and bright harmonies that suggest a sense of resolution and closure. One of the defining characteristics of "Torn Canvases" is its use of extended techniques, particularly in the strings. Tommasini employs techniques such as col legno (striking the strings with the wood of the bow), sul ponticello (playing near the bridge to create a glassy, ethereal sound), and harmonics (producing high-pitched, bell-like tones by lightly touching the strings). These techniques add a unique texture and color to the piece, and help to create the sense of fragmentation and disintegration that is central to the composition. Another notable aspect of "Torn Canvases" is its use of musical quotation. Throughout the piece, Tommasini references and recontextualizes fragments of well-known classical works, including Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" and Bach's "Goldberg Variations." These quotations serve to underscore the theme of fragmentation and suggest a sense of loss and nostalgia. Overall, "Torn Canvases" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Tommasini's skill as a composer and his ability to create complex, multi-layered musical textures. Its use of extended techniques and musical quotation make it a unique and innovative addition to the contemporary classical repertoire.

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