Composer

:

Benjamin Lees

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1986

Average_duration

:

11:11

Odyssey II is a symphony composed by Benjamin Lees, an American composer, in 1985. The symphony was premiered on October 17, 1985, by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Mstislav Rostropovich at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The symphony consists of four movements, each representing a different aspect of the Odyssey, an epic poem by Homer. The first movement, titled "The Sirens," is a depiction of the famous scene in which Odysseus and his crew encounter the Sirens, who sing a song that lures sailors to their deaths. The movement is characterized by its haunting melodies and dissonant harmonies, which create a sense of danger and foreboding. The second movement, titled "The Lotus Eaters," is a more tranquil and introspective piece that reflects the peaceful and dreamlike state induced by the lotus flowers that Odysseus and his crew encounter on their journey. The movement is characterized by its lush harmonies and gentle melodies, which create a sense of calm and serenity. The third movement, titled "The Cyclops," is a dramatic and intense piece that depicts the encounter between Odysseus and the Cyclops, a one-eyed giant who traps Odysseus and his crew in his cave. The movement is characterized by its driving rhythms and dissonant harmonies, which create a sense of chaos and danger. The final movement, titled "The Return," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that reflects Odysseus' eventual return home to Ithaca after his long journey. The movement is characterized by its joyful melodies and triumphant harmonies, which create a sense of resolution and closure. Overall, Odyssey II is a powerful and evocative symphony that captures the spirit of Homer's epic poem. Through its use of vivid melodies, lush harmonies, and dramatic rhythms, the symphony takes the listener on a journey through the trials and tribulations of Odysseus' epic journey.

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