Composer

:

Isang Yun

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quintet

Compose Date

:

1987

Average_duration

:

8:03

Isang Yun's 'Tapis' is a composition for solo cello that was composed in 1967. The piece was premiered in the same year by the cellist Siegfried Palm. 'Tapis' is a French word that means 'carpet', and the piece is inspired by the intricate patterns and textures of Persian carpets. 'Tapis' is divided into three movements, each of which explores different aspects of the carpet motif. The first movement, 'Tissage' (weaving), is characterized by a rhythmic, pulsating texture that evokes the repetitive motion of a loom. The cello's melodic lines are woven together with intricate patterns of pizzicato and arco playing, creating a rich tapestry of sound. The second movement, 'Nœud' (knot), is more introspective and contemplative. The cello's long, sustained notes are punctuated by sudden bursts of energy, like knots in the carpet that interrupt the flow of the pattern. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet, reflective coda. The final movement, 'Frisé' (fringe), is the most playful and virtuosic of the three. The cello's rapid, staccato passages evoke the fringed edges of a carpet, while the melodic lines dance and weave around each other in a lively, syncopated rhythm. The movement ends with a flourish, like the final knot in a finished carpet. Overall, 'Tapis' is a complex and challenging work that showcases the cello's versatility and expressive range. Yun's use of intricate textures and patterns creates a rich, multi-layered sound world that is both evocative and abstract. The piece is a testament to Yun's skill as a composer and his ability to draw inspiration from a wide range of sources, from traditional Korean music to the intricate designs of Persian carpets.

More....