Composer

:

Modest Mussorgsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1863

Publication Date

:

1871

Average_duration

:

3:04

"King Saul" is a choral work composed by Modest Mussorgsky in 1867. The piece was premiered in 1874, seven years after Mussorgsky's death, by Rimsky-Korsakov and the Russian Choral Society. The work is divided into three movements, each depicting a different aspect of the biblical story of King Saul. The first movement, "Saul and the Witch of Endor," begins with a somber and ominous introduction, setting the tone for the tragic events to come. The choir then enters, singing a mournful melody that depicts Saul's desperation as he seeks the help of the witch. The music becomes increasingly frenzied as the witch summons the spirit of Samuel, and the movement ends with a haunting chorus of spirits. The second movement, "Saul's Monologue," is a solo aria for the title character. Saul reflects on his past glory and his current despair, lamenting his loss of favor with God and his people. The music is introspective and melancholy, with a sense of resignation and acceptance of his fate. The final movement, "The Death of Saul," is the most dramatic and intense of the three. It begins with a martial theme, depicting the battle between Saul and the Philistines. The choir enters, singing a mournful melody as Saul is mortally wounded. The music becomes increasingly chaotic and dissonant as Saul's life slips away, and the movement ends with a powerful chorus of mourning. Overall, "King Saul" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Mussorgsky's skill as a composer of choral music. The music is deeply expressive and evocative, capturing the tragedy and pathos of the biblical story.

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