George Crumb

Crumb (1929 - )

Influenced by a number of very important people, which is clearly evident in his music. His biggest influence is probably Debussy. His music is almost entirely foreground with very little background, nearly always. His use of silences, timings, and production of specific sonorities and sound qualities are directly related to his Debussy influence. His other most important influence is through Bartok's formal structure. Bartok's arc form is apparent in much of Crumb's work. Including the 5 Piano pieces.

The first piece is very quiet and sparse. There are some repeated notes, but they never get to intense. And then all of a sudden OH MY GOD! dont turn the volume up too loud! There is a scare right in the middle of the first piece. Some crazy randoms get a little hairy, and then settle down again to end softly. ARC FORM!

The second piece is a little different. This one begins with the scare and settles down eventually. The Silences between the loud stuff is almost worht listening to on it's own. If this one had a shape, it would start off high and gradgually decesned.

The third piece starts going inside the piano. Starts low and ascends, arpeggioes.

The fourth piece also goes inside the piano. It sounds very much like the third piece, however, there are more silences in this one than the last.

The last piece uses strumming and sweeps inside the piano, as well as traditional playing techniqie. This piece is quite ominous. just when you think things are settled down, there is some weird pluck or sound that jumps out at you.