Composer

:

Franz Liszt

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1858

Publication Date

:

1857

First Performance

:

Jul 2, 1876

Average_duration

:

15:44

Franz Liszt's "Hamlet, Symphonic Poem for Orchestra, S. 104" is a musical composition that was completed in 1858. The piece was premiered on November 2, 1876, in Weimar, Germany, under the direction of Liszt himself. The symphonic poem is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the Shakespearean tragedy. The first movement, titled "Hamlet and the Ghost," begins with a haunting melody that represents the ghost of Hamlet's father. The music then becomes more intense as Hamlet vows to avenge his father's murder. The second movement, "Hamlet's Soliloquy," is a slower and more introspective piece that reflects Hamlet's inner turmoil. The music is melancholic and mournful, with a sense of sadness and despair. The third movement, "Ophelia," is a delicate and fragile piece that represents the tragic character of Ophelia. The music is gentle and ethereal, with a sense of innocence and vulnerability. The final movement, "The Death of Hamlet," is a dramatic and powerful piece that represents the climactic scene of the play. The music is intense and chaotic, with a sense of violence and tragedy. Overall, "Hamlet, Symphonic Poem for Orchestra, S. 104" is a complex and emotional piece of music that captures the essence of Shakespeare's tragedy. Liszt's use of orchestration and musical motifs creates a vivid and evocative portrayal of the characters and themes of the play.

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