Composer

:

Arthur Bliss

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1938

Publication Date

:

1938

Average_duration

:

24:28

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Checkmate, Op. 57, F. 2c is a ballet composed by Arthur Bliss in 1937. It premiered on 15 April 1937 at the Cambridge Theatre in London, with choreography by Ninette de Valois and designs by Rex Whistler. The ballet consists of three movements and is approximately 45 minutes in length. The first movement, entitled "The Players," introduces the characters of the ballet, each representing a chess piece. The music is lively and playful, with each character's theme reflecting their personality and movements. The movement ends with a grand ensemble, representing the beginning of the game. The second movement, "The Game," is the longest and most complex of the three. It follows the progress of the game, with each move represented by a different musical theme. The tension builds as the game becomes more intense, with the music becoming more dissonant and frenzied. The movement ends with the defeat of the Black Queen, represented by a mournful theme. The final movement, "Checkmate," is a dramatic conclusion to the ballet. The music is dark and ominous, with the Red King and Queen celebrating their victory over the Black King and Queen. The defeated Black King is represented by a mournful theme, while the victorious Red King and Queen are celebrated with a triumphant fanfare. Overall, Checkmate is a highly dramatic and intense ballet, with music that perfectly captures the tension and excitement of a game of chess. The use of different musical themes for each character and move adds depth and complexity to the score, while the dramatic conclusion leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

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