Composer

:

Malcolm Arnold

Genre

:

Film

Style

:

Film Score

Compose Date

:

1969

Average_duration

:

27:59

Movement_count

:

13

Movement ....

David Copperfield is a ballet composed by Malcolm Arnold, based on the novel of the same name by Charles Dickens. The ballet premiered on June 2, 1970, at the Royal Opera House in London, with choreography by John Cranko. The ballet is divided into three acts, each with several movements. Act I begins with David Copperfield as a young boy, living with his mother and stepfather. The first movement, "The Storm," sets the scene for the tumultuous events that follow. The second movement, "David and His Mother," introduces the relationship between David and his mother, who dies shortly after. The third movement, "The Murdstones," introduces the cruel stepfather and his sister, who mistreat David. The act ends with David being sent away to boarding school. Act II takes place at the boarding school, where David befriends a boy named Steerforth and falls in love with a girl named Dora. The first movement, "The School," introduces the setting and characters. The second movement, "David and Steerforth," shows the friendship between the two boys. The third movement, "David and Dora," shows the blossoming romance between David and Dora. The act ends with David leaving school and starting a new life in London. Act III takes place in London, where David becomes a writer and falls in love with a woman named Agnes. The first movement, "The City," introduces the bustling city of London. The second movement, "David and Agnes," shows the growing relationship between David and Agnes. The third movement, "The Return of Steerforth," brings back David's old friend, who has fallen on hard times. The act ends with David and Agnes getting married and starting a new life together. The music for David Copperfield is characterized by Arnold's use of traditional orchestration and his incorporation of folk melodies. The score features a variety of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The music is often lively and energetic, reflecting the lively characters and events in the story. However, there are also moments of tenderness and melancholy, reflecting the more emotional moments in the story. Overall, David Copperfield is a lively and engaging ballet that captures the spirit of Charles Dickens' classic novel. With its memorable characters, lively music, and beautiful choreography, it remains a beloved work of ballet to this day.

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