Strauss often played in the glittering Imperial balls, conducting the orchestra and playing the first violin at the same time. The majestic launch of this fascinating waltz presents the backdrop of the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the hegemony of the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph in 1888. Johann Strauss II was Music Director of the Dance Hesperides of the Imperial Court from 1863 to 1872 and composed on occasion for the celebration of an imperial anniversary. The ingenuity of the melody of the Emperor Waltz, which was originally orchestrated for a full orchestra, is such that it was easily adapted for the four or five instruments of a chamber ensemble by the Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg in 1925. This waltz is a tender and somewhat melancholic work, which at times turns its gaze nostalgically to the old Vienna. The waltz praises the majesty and dignity of the old monarch, who was fully devoted to his people. It begins with a majestic, magnificent march, which soon re
Georges Bizet - L’ Arlésienne, Suite No. 1
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Page from the manuscript of the composition of Bizet L' Arlesienne.
In 1872 Bizet wrote the stage music for a work of love and tragedy in rural Provence, written by Alphonse Daudet. Based on a true story, he refers to two brothers: Fréderi, who is in love with a girl from Arles, and L’Innocent, his mentally retarded brother, who miraculously regains his intelligence after his brother's death.
The play was not very successful and a month after its first presentation, Bizet created this four-part suite for a concert. Music immediately became popular and is the form in which L’ Arlésienne is heard today.
Movements:
I. Prélude, Allegro deciso
The Prelude to this tragic drama begins with an old Provenian march played by strings and woodwinds, first separately and then in unisono. Here are three variations of the theme, before the entire orchestra plays this lively march in its original form.
The second part is slow, strangely excruciating and low-key serene. This is the musical theme of L’Innocent, the retarded spiritual boy of the original work, which is rendered by the charmed saxophone.
The Prelude concludes with the ominous and passionate theme of Fréderi, the young man who is in love with "girl from Arles". This is inserted from the violins before other sections take over and eventually the entire orchestra.
II. Minuet, Allegro giocoso
Minuet begins with strings in a light music full of cheer and joy. Then, after a rhythmic, lyrical part, the clarinet and the saxophone play a beautiful tune, while the violins hover in a mesmerizing
contrapuntal melody. Everything is effortlessly and delightfully orchestrated. Towards the end of the part, the oboe sings a phrase and then the opening theme reappears. The part ends with a charming dialogue between strings and woodwings.
III. Adagietto
Adagietto is one of the finest parts of the suite. It depicts a youthful love that comes back to life after fifty years of separation and is full of courtesy and passion. It ends exquisitely with a serene, full-hearted phrase.
IV. Carillon, Allegro moderato
The sounds of the bell at the beginning of Carillon are disarmingly simple and announce the gathering of villagers preparing for the feast of the patron saint. The theme is repeated and changed before the introduction of a medium section, which includes a thoughtful melody in the flute. But while this melody is played by the flute and strings, the horns sound and gently lead the music back to Carillon's inaugural music, which ends with a resounding forte.
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