Composer

:

Johan Wagenaar

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

13:13

Cyrano de Bergerac, Op. 23 is a symphonic poem composed by Johan Wagenaar in 1913. The piece is based on the play of the same name by Edmond Rostand, which tells the story of Cyrano, a skilled swordsman and poet who is in love with his cousin Roxane. However, Cyrano is too self-conscious about his large nose to confess his love to her, so he helps his friend Christian woo her instead. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "Cyrano," introduces the main character with a bold and heroic theme played by the brass section. The music then becomes more lyrical as it portrays Cyrano's romantic side, with a beautiful melody played by the strings. The movement ends with a triumphant reprise of the opening theme. The second movement, titled "Roxane," is more delicate and romantic, with a gentle melody played by the woodwinds. The music builds to a climax as Cyrano and Christian both declare their love for Roxane, and then fades away as Roxane chooses Christian. The final movement, titled "The Duel," is the most dramatic and intense of the three. It begins with a tense and ominous theme played by the low strings, as Cyrano prepares to fight a duel with a rival. The music becomes more frenzied as the duel begins, with fast and furious passages played by the entire orchestra. The piece ends with a triumphant reprise of the opening theme, as Cyrano emerges victorious. Overall, Cyrano de Bergerac, Op. 23 is a powerful and emotional piece of music that captures the drama and romance of Rostand's play. Wagenaar's use of bold themes, delicate melodies, and intense rhythms creates a vivid musical portrait of the characters and their struggles. The piece premiered in Amsterdam on November 20, 1913, and has since become a beloved part of the symphonic repertoire.

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