Story perspectives

Feldman's Epic 4.5-Hour Piece Captivates, Divides Audience

1/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Morton Feldman's composition For Philip Guston lasts four and a half hours, making it one of the longest works in contemporary music.
The piece, dedicated to the abstract expressionist Philip Guston, shows economy with repeated motifs and a slow tempo.
At Kings Place's Memory Unwrapped series, the performance drew mixed reactions, with creaking seats and coughs interrupting listeners.
The immersive sound, created by performers including flutist Taylor MacLennan and the GBSR Duo, captivated listeners.

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Story summary

Morton Feldman's composition For Philip Guston lasts four and a half hours, making it one of the longest works in contemporary music.
The piece, dedicated to the abstract expressionist Philip Guston, shows economy with repeated motifs and a slow tempo.
At Kings Place's Memory Unwrapped series, the performance drew mixed reactions, with creaking seats and coughs interrupting listeners.
The immersive sound, created by performers including flutist Taylor MacLennan and the GBSR Duo, captivated listeners.