Analysis, Aesthetics, and Experience of a 20th-Century Masterpiece

Ray Fields

Morton Feldman viewed Piano and String Quartet as his capstone workthe culminating example of the aesthetic that Feldman spent his life seeking. Written in 1985, the year before Feldmans death, this single movement, roughly eighty-minute composition was heralded by Steve Reich as the most beautiful work [of Feldmans] I know.

Ray Fields presents a detailed analysis of the complete piece and examines the elements that contribute to its formal and expressive design. He discusses the sonic experience of the music itself and provides insights into Feldmans aesthetic influences. The book also includes basic biographical information about Feldman; descriptions of the music of his early, middle, and late periods; and an overview of analyses of other Feldman works.

In examining this beloved piece, the book addresses the question: what was everything Feldman wanted in his music? Also included are interviews with Kronos Quartets David Harrington about the origins of Piano and String Quartet and crucial information from pianist Aki Takahashi about performing the work.