Composer

:

Joachim Raff

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1872

Publication Date

:

1873

Maria Stuart, Op. 172 is a symphonic poem composed by Joachim Raff in 1872. The piece was premiered on November 17, 1872, in Frankfurt, Germany, under the direction of the composer himself. The work is divided into four movements, each depicting a different aspect of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. The first movement, titled "Mary Stuart's Arrival in Scotland," begins with a slow and somber introduction, representing the queen's return to her homeland after years of exile in France. The music gradually builds in intensity as Mary is welcomed by her subjects, culminating in a triumphant fanfare. The second movement, "Mary Stuart and Rizzio," is a scherzo that depicts the queen's close relationship with her Italian secretary, David Rizzio. The music is playful and lighthearted, with a prominent harp solo representing Rizzio's instrument. The third movement, "Mary Stuart and Bothwell," is a slow and mournful adagio that portrays the queen's ill-fated marriage to James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell. The music is filled with longing and regret, reflecting Mary's tragic fate. The final movement, "Mary Stuart's Execution," is a dramatic and intense finale that depicts the queen's final moments before her execution. The music is filled with tension and despair, with a prominent use of the timpani and brass to represent the executioner's axe. Overall, Maria Stuart, Op. 172 is a powerful and emotional work that captures the tragic story of Mary, Queen of Scots. Raff's use of orchestration and musical motifs effectively conveys the different moods and emotions of each movement, making it a compelling piece of programmatic music.

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