De Natura Sonoris

One of the most textured compositions by the Polish composer Krzysztof Penderecki (b. 1933), this De Natura Sonoris for orchestra exists in two versions, the first from 1966 and the second from 1971. In reality, these are two different compositions, united by the same inspiration linked to the variety of aspects of nature and their evolution.

As in the famous Threnody, from 1960, for 52 strings (probably his best-known piece), Penderecki strives to create new instrumental sounds, especially with strings, and makes extensive use of some of his favorite compositional techniques, such as the one based on the free combination of small melodic phrases initially assigned to a small instrumental group, to then gradually extend to the entire orchestra.
In the second piece, the composer also uses various percussive effects, such as that obtained from an iron bar struck with a hammer and a saw.

It's a simple piece of music in its form, based more on sonic effect than on a rigorous structure, but it remains fascinating nonetheless.

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