Composer

:

Felix Mendelssohn

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

Feb 25, 1845

Publication Date

:

1851

First Performance

:

Nov 1, 1845

Average_duration

:

50:33

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Felix Mendelssohn's "Oedipus in Kolonos, Op. 93" is a musical composition that was completed in 1845. The piece was premiered on March 15, 1845, in Leipzig, Germany, and was conducted by the composer himself. The composition is based on the Greek tragedy "Oedipus at Colonus" by Sophocles. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different scene from the play. The first movement, "Overture," sets the tone for the entire piece with its dramatic and intense opening. The second movement, "Chorus of Elders," features a choir singing in unison, representing the elders of the city of Colonus. The third movement, "Oedipus' Lament," is a solo piece for the main character, Oedipus, who is mourning the loss of his sight. The final movement, "Chorus of Priests," features a choir singing in harmony, representing the priests of the city. The characteristics of the piece are typical of Mendelssohn's style, with a focus on melody and harmony. The use of the choir in the second and fourth movements is reminiscent of his oratorio works, such as "Elijah." The piece also features a prominent use of brass and percussion, which adds to the dramatic effect of the music. Overall, "Oedipus in Kolonos, Op. 93" is a powerful and emotional composition that captures the essence of Sophocles' tragedy. Mendelssohn's use of melody, harmony, and choir creates a sense of grandeur and drama that is fitting for the story of Oedipus.

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