Composer

:

William Walton

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Oratorio

Compose Date

:

1931 - 1957

Average_duration

:

35:18

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Belshazzar's Feast is a choral work composed by William Walton in 1931. It premiered on May 8, 1931, at the Leeds Festival, with the Leeds Festival Chorus and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Malcolm Sargent. The piece is divided into three movements and is scored for a large orchestra, a mixed choir, and a baritone soloist. The first movement, "Thus spake Isaiah," begins with a brass fanfare that sets the tone for the entire piece. The choir enters with a powerful and dramatic chorus, singing the words of the prophet Isaiah, warning Belshazzar of his impending doom. The music is characterized by its use of dissonance and rhythmic complexity, which creates a sense of tension and urgency. The second movement, "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem," is a more reflective and introspective section. The baritone soloist sings a lament for the destruction of Jerusalem, accompanied by a solo cello. The choir joins in, singing a haunting melody that evokes the sadness and loss of the Jewish people. The final movement, "Praise ye the God of Gold," is a triumphant and celebratory section. The choir and orchestra come together in a joyful chorus, praising the Babylonian god of gold and celebrating Belshazzar's downfall. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and rhythmic energy, which creates a sense of excitement and exuberance. Overall, Belshazzar's Feast is a powerful and dramatic work that showcases Walton's skill as a composer. The piece is known for its use of complex rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and vivid orchestration, which create a sense of drama and intensity. It remains a popular and frequently performed work in the choral repertoire.

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