Composer

:

Dmitry Kabalevsky

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1960

Average_duration

:

4:42

Dmitry Kabalevsky's "Pathétique Overture for orchestra, Op. 64" was composed in 1941 and premiered on December 28th of the same year in Moscow. The overture is a single movement work that lasts approximately 10 minutes. The piece begins with a slow and somber introduction, featuring a mournful melody played by the strings. This section sets the tone for the rest of the piece, which is characterized by its emotional intensity and dramatic contrasts. The main section of the overture is marked by a lively and energetic theme played by the brass and percussion. This theme is developed throughout the piece, with various sections of the orchestra taking turns playing it and adding their own variations. The overture also features a lyrical and expressive middle section, which provides a contrast to the more energetic opening and closing sections. This section features a beautiful melody played by the strings, which is later taken up by the woodwinds and brass. Overall, Kabalevsky's "Pathétique Overture" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases the composer's skill at creating dramatic contrasts and memorable melodies. Its premiere in 1941 was a great success, and the piece has since become a staple of the orchestral repertoire.

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