Aspects of Instrumental Theatre in Kagel's and Romanian Music
Aspects of Instrumental Theatre in Kagel's and Romanian Music

Summary/Abstract: Instrumental theatre appeared in the second half of the 20th century, as a result of the general trend towards the renewal and individualization of musical language and of the emergence of interdisciplinary arts. Largely influenced by Dadaism, concrete and electronic music and performance-type musical compositions, instrumental theatre is based on the perfect coordination of the musical element with the visual and literary ones. The Argentinian Mauricio Kagel is the foremost representative of the genre, his works being either actual pieces of instrumental theatre, or films. Regardless of the category they belong to, his works are characterized by a special sonority, an original treatment of the speech composition phenomenon (if voice is present) and a well defined and usually critical message. Kagel's ideas have inspired many composers of his generation (Romanian composers included), as well as younger ones, thus demonstrating the vitality of the genre.

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