Composer

:

Albert W. Ketèlbey

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1920

Average_duration

:

6:03

In a Persian Market is a musical composition by British composer Albert W. Ketèlbey. It was composed in 1920 and premiered on June 18, 1920, at the London Palladium. The piece is a tone poem, which is a type of orchestral music that tells a story or evokes a particular mood or atmosphere. The composition is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different aspect of life in a bustling Persian market. The first movement, titled "The Market Place," sets the scene with a lively and energetic melody that captures the hustle and bustle of the market. The second movement, "The Veiled Prophet," is more subdued and mysterious, with a haunting melody that suggests the presence of a mystical figure. The third movement, "The Young Prince and Princess as Told by Scheherazade," is a romantic and lyrical interlude that tells the story of a young couple in love. The final movement, "The Market at Night," returns to the lively and energetic mood of the opening movement, but with a more subdued and mysterious quality that suggests the market's nocturnal activities. One of the most distinctive characteristics of In a Persian Market is its use of exotic instrumentation and musical motifs. Ketèlbey was known for his interest in world music, and he incorporated a variety of Middle Eastern and Asian instruments into the composition, including the oud, santur, and zither. The melodies and rhythms of the piece also draw heavily on Middle Eastern and Asian musical traditions, giving the composition a distinctly exotic flavor. Overall, In a Persian Market is a vibrant and colorful musical composition that captures the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of a bustling Middle Eastern market. Its use of exotic instrumentation and musical motifs make it a unique and memorable piece of orchestral music that continues to be popular with audiences today.

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