Composer

:

Douglas S. Moore

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

17:43

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

The Pageant of P. T. Barnum is a musical composition by Douglas S. Moore, an American composer and educator. The piece was composed in 1936 and premiered on May 12, 1936, at the New York Hippodrome. The Pageant of P. T. Barnum is a suite of five movements that depict the life and career of P. T. Barnum, an American showman and businessman who is best known for founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus. The first movement, titled "The Parade," is a lively and energetic piece that captures the excitement and spectacle of a circus parade. The music is characterized by its use of brass and percussion instruments, which create a sense of grandeur and celebration. The second movement, "The Juggler," is a solo piece for piano that represents the skill and dexterity of a circus performer. The music is fast-paced and virtuosic, with intricate runs and arpeggios that showcase the pianist's technical ability. The third movement, "The Fat Lady," is a slow and mournful piece that depicts the life of a sideshow performer. The music is characterized by its use of strings and woodwinds, which create a sense of melancholy and sadness. The fourth movement, "The Elephant," is a lively and playful piece that represents the majesty and power of the circus's largest animal. The music is characterized by its use of brass and percussion instruments, which create a sense of strength and energy. The final movement, "The Finale," is a grand and triumphant piece that celebrates the life and legacy of P. T. Barnum. The music is characterized by its use of all the instruments in the orchestra, which create a sense of unity and harmony. Overall, The Pageant of P. T. Barnum is a vibrant and colorful musical composition that captures the spirit and excitement of the circus. Its use of different instruments and musical styles creates a diverse and engaging listening experience that is both entertaining and educational.

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