''Workers Union'' (1975) is a composition by

Louis Andriessen Louis Joseph Andriessen (; 6 June 1939 – 1 July 2021) was a Dutch composer, pianist and academic teacher. Considered the most influential Dutch composer of his generation, he was a central proponent of The Hague school of composition. Although ...

intended for any loud-sounding group of instruments; Andriessen did not want to handicap orchestras by providing a list of instruments.

Characteristics

It is a melodically indeterminate piece; this means there is no

key Key or The Key may refer to: Common meanings * Key (cryptography), a piece of information that controls the operation of a cryptography algorithm * Key (lock), device used to control access to places or facilities restricted by a lock * Key (map ...

and no defined

melody A melody (from Greek language, Greek μελῳδία, ''melōidía'', "singing, chanting"), also tune, voice or line, is a Linearity#Music, linear succession of musical tones that the listener perceives as a single entity. In its most liter ...

."Andriessen, Louis." ''The Oxford Dictionary of Music'', 2nd ed. rev. Ed. Michael Kennedy. ''Oxford Music Online''. Oxford University Press. Web. 7 Oct, 2016. The piece is very strict

rhythm Rhythm (from Greek , ''rhythmos'', "any regular recurring motion, symmetry") generally means a " movement marked by the regulated succession of strong and weak elements, or of opposite or different conditions". This general meaning of regular recu ...

ically, with only a guide to lower or raise pitches. Sections may be repeated as many times as the conductor wishes, resulting in varying performance lengths. Every instrument plays different notes that follow the same rhythm and ascending or descending patterns. This creates an atonal piece with many

polyphonic Polyphony ( ) is a type of musical texture consisting of two or more simultaneous lines of independent melody, as opposed to a musical texture with just one voice, monophony, or a texture with one dominant melodic voice accompanied by chords, h ...

phrases. There are points in the piece where the ensemble splits into two groups. The groups alternate lines before coming back together again. If executed properly, the piece sounds mechanical as the instrumentation operates in perfect unison.

How to Play

Before simply playing the rhythms indicated on the score, one must select a middle pitch. There is a single line through the center of the staff that indicates the aforementioned middle pitch - a pitch line. Each musician chooses their own pitch that will represent the midway point. Notes that are written above the line should be played higher than the preselected pitch and vice versa. It is important for the musician to remember their middle pitch. During long lines or complex rhythms, one must make sure there is adequate room between what they're playing and the pitch line.

References

{{Authority control 1975 compositions Compositions by Louis Andriessen