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Unter Donner Und Blitz Saxophone Quartet Score Parts: A Comprehensive Review

George Bernard Shaw

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Published in Unter Donner Und Blitz Saxophone Quartet Score Parts: Thunder And Lightning Polka Op 324

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Unter Donner und Blitz - Saxophone Quartet score & parts: Thunder and Lightning Polka - op. 324

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1434 KB

Unter Donner Und Blitz (Under Thunder And Lightning) is a saxophone quartet composed by German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen in 1959. The piece is characterized by its use of extended techniques, aleatoricism, and polyphonic textures. The score parts for the quartet are available from Boosey & Hawkes.

Musical Structure

The piece is in one movement and lasts approximately 12 minutes. It is divided into four sections, each of which has its own distinct character.

Section 1 is a slow and atmospheric that features long, sustained notes and glissandi.
Section 2 is more lively and rhythmically driven, with fast-paced melodies and complex polyphonic textures.
Section 3 is a slow and meditative section that features soft, lyrical melodies and delicate textures.
Section 4 is a fast and energetic finale that features driving rhythms and virtuosic passages.

Technical Demands

Unter Donner Und Blitz is a technically demanding piece that requires a high level of skill and precision from the performers. The piece features a wide range of extended techniques, including:

Multiphonics
Glissandi
Flutter tonguing
Slap tonguing
Circular breathing

In addition to these extended techniques, the piece also requires a high level of rhythmic precision and coordination between the four players. The piece is full of complex polyphonic passages that require careful attention to detail and intonation.

Overall Impact

Unter Donner Und Blitz is a powerful and evocative piece of music that explores the full range of possibilities of the saxophone quartet. The piece's use of extended techniques, aleatoricism, and polyphonic textures creates a unique and immersive sound world that is both challenging and rewarding to perform. The piece is a must-have for any saxophone quartet looking to explore the outer limits of their instrument.

Unter Donner Und Blitz is a seminal work in the saxophone quartet repertoire. The piece's innovative use of extended techniques, aleatoricism, and polyphonic textures has made it a favorite of performers and audiences alike. The score parts for the quartet are available from Boosey & Hawkes.

Unter Donner und Blitz - Saxophone Quartet score & parts: Thunder and Lightning Polka - op. 324

5 out of 5