Composer

:

Gustav Holst

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1933

Average_duration

:

11:17

Lyric Movement, H. 191 is a piece of music composed by Gustav Holst in 1933. It was premiered on October 17, 1933, at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by the composer himself. The piece is a single movement work, lasting around six minutes. The Lyric Movement is characterized by its gentle and melancholic melody, which is played by the solo viola. The piece is scored for a small orchestra, consisting of two flutes, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, two horns, strings, and harp. The orchestration is sparse, with Holst using the instruments sparingly to create a delicate and intimate sound. The piece is divided into three sections, with the first and last sections being slow and lyrical, while the middle section is faster and more rhythmic. The opening section begins with a solo viola playing a simple melody, which is then taken up by the rest of the orchestra. The middle section features a more lively rhythm, with the strings playing a pizzicato accompaniment to the solo viola. The final section returns to the slow and melancholic mood of the opening, with the solo viola playing a variation of the original melody. The Lyric Movement is a departure from Holst's more famous works, such as The Planets, which are characterized by their grandeur and bombast. Instead, the Lyric Movement is a more introspective and personal work, reflecting Holst's own struggles with ill health and depression. The piece has been described as a "meditation on mortality," with its gentle and melancholic melody evoking a sense of sadness and loss. Despite its somber mood, the Lyric Movement has become one of Holst's most popular works, and is frequently performed by orchestras around the world. Its simple and intimate sound has made it a favorite of both audiences and musicians, and it remains a testament to Holst's skill as a composer.

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