Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Fanfare

Compose Date

:

1964

First Performance

:

Apr 19, 1964

Average_duration

:

0:39

Fanfare for a New Theater is a short composition for brass and percussion, composed by Igor Stravinsky in 1964. It was written to celebrate the opening of the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center, which was designed by architect Philip Johnson. The premiere of the fanfare took place on April 23, 1964, at the opening ceremony of the theater. The composition consists of a single movement, lasting approximately one minute. It is scored for four trumpets, four horns, three trombones, tuba, timpani, and percussion. The fanfare is characterized by its bright and bold brass writing, with the trumpets and horns playing fanfare-like figures in unison. The percussion adds rhythmic interest, with the timpani providing a steady pulse and the other instruments adding accents and flourishes. The fanfare begins with a short introduction, featuring a rising figure in the trumpets and horns. This leads into the main theme, which is played by the trumpets and horns in unison. The theme is then repeated, with the addition of the trombones and tuba. The percussion enters, adding rhythmic interest and building to a climax. The fanfare ends with a final statement of the main theme, played by the trumpets and horns. Overall, Fanfare for a New Theater is a celebratory and festive composition, perfectly suited to its occasion. It showcases Stravinsky's skill in writing for brass and percussion, and demonstrates his ability to create memorable and effective music with a minimum of material.

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