Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1908

First Performance

:

Apr 4, 1908

Average_duration

:

26:41

Movement_count

:

14

Movement ....

Swanwhite, Op. 54 is a suite for orchestra and organ composed by Jean Sibelius in 1913. The piece was inspired by a play of the same name by Aino Sibelius, the composer's wife. The suite consists of six movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The premiere of Swanwhite took place on November 23, 1913, in Helsinki, Finland, conducted by the composer himself. The piece was well-received by the audience and critics alike, and it quickly became one of Sibelius's most popular works. The first movement, "The Maiden with the Roses," is a delicate and lyrical piece that features the strings and woodwinds. The second movement, "The Magic Song," is a lively and playful scherzo that showcases the brass and percussion. The third movement, "The Black Swan," is a haunting and mysterious piece that features the organ and the lower strings. The fourth movement, "The Prince Alone," is a melancholic and introspective piece that features the solo violin and the harp. The fifth movement, "The Wedding Procession," is a grand and majestic piece that features the full orchestra and the organ. The final movement, "Swanwhite's Death," is a somber and tragic piece that features the strings and the organ. Overall, Swanwhite is a beautiful and evocative suite that showcases Sibelius's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create vivid musical landscapes. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies, delicate melodies, and rich textures, and it remains a beloved work in the orchestral repertoire.

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