Composer

:

Guillaume Lekeu

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1890

Average_duration

:

8:34

Guillaume Lekeu's "Ophélie" is a symphonic poem composed in 1896. It premiered on March 22, 1898, in Brussels, Belgium, under the direction of François-Auguste Gevaert. The piece is divided into three movements and is approximately 20 minutes in length. The first movement, "Ophélie," is marked "Très lent et rêveur" (very slow and dreamy). It begins with a hauntingly beautiful melody played by the English horn, which is then taken up by the strings. The music is melancholic and mournful, reflecting the tragic fate of Shakespeare's character Ophelia. The movement builds to a climax before fading away into silence. The second movement, "La Mort d'Ophélie" (The Death of Ophelia), is marked "Lent et triste" (slow and sad). It begins with a mournful melody played by the cellos and basses, which is then taken up by the violins. The music is somber and reflective, as if mourning the loss of Ophelia. The movement builds to a powerful climax before fading away into silence. The third and final movement, "La Folie d'Ophélie" (The Madness of Ophelia), is marked "Très agité" (very agitated). It begins with a frenzied melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass. The music is chaotic and dissonant, reflecting Ophelia's descent into madness. The movement builds to a frenzied climax before ending abruptly. Overall, "Ophélie" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Lekeu's skill as a composer. The music is deeply expressive and reflects the tragic fate of Shakespeare's character. The piece is often considered one of Lekeu's masterpieces and is a testament to his talent as a composer.

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