Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1938-1939

First Performance

:

June 5, 1953

Average_duration

:

50:19

The Bridal Day is a ballet composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1938. The plot revolves around a young couple's wedding day, with the ballet divided into three movements. The first movement, titled "The Morning of the Wedding," depicts the preparations for the ceremony, with the bride and her attendants getting ready and the groom and his friends arriving at the church. The music is light and joyful, with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The second movement, "The Wedding Feast," takes place at the reception following the ceremony. The music is lively and celebratory, with a folk-like quality that reflects Vaughan Williams' interest in English folk music. The dancers perform traditional dances, including a maypole dance and a Morris dance, and the mood is festive and joyful. The final movement, "The Departure of the Bride and Groom," is more subdued and reflective. The music is slower and more contemplative, with a sense of nostalgia and sadness as the couple prepares to leave their friends and family behind and begin their new life together. The ballet ends with a sense of hope and optimism, as the couple sets off on their journey together. The Bridal Day premiered on June 22, 1938, at the Royal Opera House in London, with choreography by Frederick Ashton and sets and costumes by Sophie Fedorovitch. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Vaughan Williams' use of folk music and his ability to capture the spirit of a traditional English wedding. Overall, The Bridal Day is a charming and nostalgic ballet that celebrates the joy and beauty of a traditional English wedding. With its lively folk music and colorful choreography, it remains a popular work in the ballet repertoire today.

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