Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

Dec 23, 1954 - Feb 16, 1955

Publication Date

:

1958

First Performance

:

Jan 24, 1958

Average_duration

:

55:48

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Gilgames, H. 351 is a symphonic poem composed by Bohuslav Martinu in 1954. The piece was inspired by the ancient Mesopotamian epic of Gilgamesh, which tells the story of a king who embarks on a journey to find the secret of eternal life. The composition is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, titled "The Quest," begins with a slow and mysterious introduction that sets the tone for the entire piece. The music gradually builds in intensity as the protagonist sets out on his journey, with the orchestra depicting the vast and treacherous landscape he must traverse. The middle section of the movement features a lyrical theme that represents the beauty and wonder of the natural world, before returning to the opening material for a dramatic conclusion. The second movement, "The Battle," is a fast and furious depiction of the hero's struggles against various foes. The music is characterized by driving rhythms and dissonant harmonies, with the orchestra evoking the chaos and violence of the battles. The middle section of the movement features a haunting melody played by the solo oboe, which represents the hero's contemplation of his mortality and the futility of his quest for eternal life. The movement ends with a triumphant fanfare, as the hero emerges victorious from his battles. The final movement, "The Return," is a slow and reflective section that brings the piece to a peaceful conclusion. The music is characterized by lush harmonies and soaring melodies, as the hero returns home and reflects on his journey. The final section of the movement features a majestic theme played by the brass section, which represents the hero's acceptance of his mortality and his newfound appreciation for the beauty of life. Overall, Gilgames, H. 351 is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Martinu's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of vivid orchestration and its ability to convey the epic scope of the ancient story. It premiered on October 28, 1955, in Basel, Switzerland, with the Basel Symphony Orchestra conducted by Paul Sacher.

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