Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1966

'Hearing' is a composition for solo piano by American composer Ned Rorem. It was composed in 1972 and premiered on October 17, 1973, by pianist Paul Jacobs at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The piece consists of five movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, marked "Moderato," is a gentle and introspective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement, "Allegro," is a lively and playful scherzo that showcases the pianist's technical abilities. The third movement, "Lento," is a slow and mournful piece that explores the darker emotions of the human experience. The fourth movement, "Allegro con brio," is a fast and energetic piece that builds to a thrilling climax. The final movement, "Moderato," returns to the introspective mood of the first movement, bringing the work to a peaceful and contemplative close. Throughout the piece, Rorem employs a wide range of pianistic techniques, including rapid arpeggios, intricate runs, and delicate trills. He also makes use of dissonant harmonies and unexpected rhythmic shifts to create a sense of tension and drama. Despite its technical demands, 'Hearing' is a deeply expressive and emotional work that showcases Rorem's skill as a composer and his understanding of the piano as an instrument. It has become a staple of the contemporary piano repertoire and is widely regarded as one of Rorem's most significant works.

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