Edgard Varèse's Déserts: Analysis (Part 1 of 2)

Composer Samuel Andreyev’s analysis of Edgard Varèse's masterwork Déserts (1950-54). The first part (of two) examines the context, aesthetics and aims of the piece.

ERRATA: the passage from bars 48-51 features timpani and tubas, not timpani and trombones. Also, Déserts is the composer's las COMPLETED composition, but not his very last work; Nocturnal was written afterward, but remained incompete at the composer's death. My apologies for the errors.

[squaresunmusic]

Great discussion and analysis as always! I would argue that an integral parameter to Varèse's music that should be added to the four (or five) you mentioned is "texture." Texture is of paramount importance to Varèse. I posit he makes stunning, complex, and comprehensive use of texture in his compositions.

[jakeoconnor]

Yet another Wonderful analysis of a compelling piece. Thank you for what you do Samuel

[GavinskisTutorials]

Excellent analysis, humble yet highly informed delivery, thank you so much!

[Medtnaculuss]

Fantastic analysis. I'm eager to see what other composers you cover on this channel. I've always had a hard time getting past a certain point and breaking through into more modern music. Composers like Mosolov, Rudhyar and Sorabji are as far as I can push my ears.

[johnappleseed]

I'm so happy to see something on Varese, I'm looking forward to this :))))
Instant sub!

[raffen]

Thank you so much for these amazingly instructive videos. I have always loved Déserts, and thanks to you I have now broadened my perception and understanding of the work.

[bakeone]

Glad you're sharing the fruit of of your listening efforts. Can you recommend specific recordings of Varese? Hoping to find the most sonically pristine version of Deserts on vinyl available. The Robert Craft Columbia Symphony Orchestra LP, 1962 was my introduction (and my favorite so far).

[juanborjas]

Great videos very helpful and informative. I would love to see analysis of Schoenberg, Webern, Bartok, Debussy, Stockhausen, Stravinsky, Messiaen and Takemitsu. I hope you get more views in the future.

[EnricoPresti]

Very remarkable. Have you some registration on it?

[Lucillemorono]

Would you please make an analysis of Poeme eletronique?

[hermes]

Where can i find the graphic score/images you are showing in the video? Thanks!