Composer

:

William Walton

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1932

Average_duration

:

3:09

"Daphne" is a one-act opera composed by William Walton, with a libretto by Christopher Hassall. The opera premiered on April 15, 1951, at the Royal Opera House in London, conducted by the composer himself. The opera is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "The Contest of Apollo and Pan," is a lively and playful scene in which the two gods compete for the love of Daphne, a nymph. The music is full of energy and wit, with lively rhythms and colorful orchestration. The second movement, "Daphne's Lament," is a more introspective and melancholy scene in which Daphne mourns the loss of her freedom and her transformation into a laurel tree. The music is haunting and lyrical, with a sense of sadness and resignation. The final movement, "Apollo's Lament," is a dramatic and powerful scene in which Apollo laments the loss of his love and the futility of his pursuit. The music is intense and passionate, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies. Overall, "Daphne" is a highly expressive and evocative work, with a rich and colorful orchestration and a strong sense of drama and emotion. The opera is notable for its use of ancient Greek mythology as a source of inspiration, as well as for its innovative use of musical forms and structures.

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