Composer

:

Franz Schubert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

Sep 1820

Average_duration

:

3:23

"Der entsühnte Orest" (The Atoned Orestes) is a dramatic cantata composed by Franz Schubert in 1823. The piece was written for four soloists, choir, and orchestra, and is based on a libretto by Johann Mayrhofer. The premiere of the work took place on March 1, 1824, at the Redoutensaal in Vienna. The cantata is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different stage in the story of Orestes. The first movement, "Orestes in Delphi," begins with a solemn introduction by the orchestra, followed by a recitative by the tenor soloist. The choir then enters, singing a hymn to Apollo, the god of prophecy. Orestes seeks guidance from the oracle at Delphi, and the choir responds with a prophecy that he will be atoned for his crimes. The second movement, "Orestes in Athens," is more dramatic and intense. The choir sings a funeral dirge for Clytemnestra, Orestes' mother, who he has just killed. The soloists then enter, with the soprano singing the role of Electra, Orestes' sister, and the bass singing the role of Pylades, Orestes' friend. They urge Orestes to seek refuge in Athens, where he will be protected from the wrath of the gods. The final movement, "Orestes at the Altar," is the most powerful and emotional of the three. Orestes arrives in Athens and seeks refuge at the altar of Athena. The choir sings a hymn to the goddess, and Orestes begs for her forgiveness. The soloists then enter, with the soprano singing the role of Athena, and the bass singing the role of Apollo. They declare that Orestes has been atoned for his crimes, and the choir responds with a triumphant chorus. "Der entsühnte Orest" is a powerful and emotional work, with Schubert's music perfectly capturing the drama and intensity of the story. The piece is notable for its use of choral and orchestral textures, as well as its dramatic recitatives and arias. It is considered one of Schubert's most important vocal works, and a masterpiece of the Romantic era.

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