Composer

:

Havergal Brian

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

5:47

Havergal Brian's "Legend" is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1919. It premiered on October 22, 1920, at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by Albert Coates. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, "The Hero," begins with a bold and heroic theme played by the brass section. This theme is then developed and expanded upon throughout the movement, with various sections of the orchestra taking turns playing it. The movement builds to a powerful climax before ending with a quiet and reflective coda. The second movement, "The Saint," is much more subdued and introspective than the first. It begins with a gentle and melancholy theme played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. The movement gradually builds in intensity, with the brass section joining in towards the end. However, it never reaches the same level of bombast as the first movement, and instead ends on a quiet and contemplative note. The final movement, "The Warrior," is the most dramatic and intense of the three. It begins with a frenzied and chaotic theme played by the entire orchestra, which is then developed and expanded upon throughout the movement. The music is full of sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics, with the orchestra frequently erupting into bursts of frenetic energy. The movement builds to a massive climax before ending with a triumphant and exultant coda. Overall, "Legend" is a powerful and evocative piece of music that showcases Havergal Brian's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of bold and memorable themes, as well as its ability to create a sense of drama and tension through its use of orchestration and dynamics. Despite being over 100 years old, "Legend" remains a compelling and exciting work that is sure to captivate audiences for years to come.

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