Dominick Argento (1927-Present)

Introduction Edit
Argento is an American composer known for his operatic and choral music. He has written numerous operas and has won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1975. He has written fourteen operas along with other orchestral and choral pieces.

Work Analysis Edit
I chose to analyze I Hate and I Love by Argento. This is one of his many pieces for a chamber choir and it is primarily atonal. The piece is written in many different sections that contrast rhythmically and melodically with each other. The voices are the primary instrument in this piece while the percussive instruments act as a supporting cast for the choir. The voices create a really cool effect throughout the piece where they constantly crescendo and decrescendo to almost create a swell effect.

Comparisons Edit
It almost sounds very American sounding while also adding in some choral elements that I could picture in medieval times at a church. It reminded me a bit of Stravinsky’s choral works with swift dynamic changes and quick crescendos and resolutions.

Observations Edit
I really enjoyed the piece. It reminded me of a church with the vocals and the percussive instruments added a flair to it. As a composer, I would look to maybe try to incorporate this into my own style.

Works Cited Edit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominick_Argento#Early_life_and_education

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrzMfbriMMM