Composer

:

Igor Stravinsky

Genre

:

Band

Compose Date

:

1908

First Performance

:

February 13, 1909

Average_duration

:

10:30

Igor Stravinsky's "Marche funèbre en mémoire de N. Rimsky-Korsakov, Op. 5" is a band music piece that was composed in 1909. The piece was premiered on June 4, 1909, in St. Petersburg, Russia, by the Russian Imperial Guard Band. The composition is a tribute to Stravinsky's mentor and friend, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, who had passed away in 1908. The piece is divided into three movements, with the first movement being a somber funeral march. The second movement is a lively scherzo, which provides a contrast to the mournful first movement. The final movement is a reprise of the funeral march, which brings the piece to a solemn conclusion. The funeral march is characterized by its slow tempo, mournful melody, and use of chromaticism. The use of chromaticism creates a sense of tension and unease, which reflects the sadness and grief of the occasion. The scherzo, on the other hand, is characterized by its fast tempo, playful melody, and use of syncopation. The syncopation creates a sense of energy and excitement, which provides a contrast to the mournful first movement. Overall, "Marche funèbre en mémoire de N. Rimsky-Korsakov, Op. 5" is a powerful tribute to a great composer and mentor. The piece showcases Stravinsky's ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and technically complex. It remains a popular piece in the band music repertoire and is often performed at memorial services and other solemn occasions.

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