Composer

:

John Stevens

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1978

Average_duration

:

10:22

"Triangles" is a contemporary classical composition by John Stevens, an American composer and percussionist. The piece was composed in 1986 and premiered on March 22, 1987, by the New York New Music Ensemble at Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. "Triangles" is a three-movement work for flute, clarinet, violin, cello, and percussion. The first movement, titled "Fast and Rhythmic," is characterized by its energetic and syncopated rhythms, with the percussion providing a driving pulse throughout. The second movement, "Slow and Expressive," is more introspective and lyrical, with the strings and winds taking center stage. The final movement, "Fast and Furious," returns to the frenetic energy of the first movement, with the instruments engaging in a lively and virtuosic dialogue. One of the defining characteristics of "Triangles" is its use of unconventional percussion instruments, including brake drums, cowbells, and woodblocks. These instruments are used to create a unique and varied sound palette, adding to the piece's rhythmic complexity and textural richness. Overall, "Triangles" is a dynamic and engaging work that showcases Stevens' skill as both a composer and a percussionist. Its blend of traditional and unconventional instrumentation, combined with its intricate rhythms and expressive melodies, make it a standout piece in the contemporary classical repertoire.

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