Composer

:

Ture Rangström

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

2:19

The Farewell is a composition for orchestra by Swedish composer Ture Rangström. It was composed in 1921 and premiered on November 25th of the same year in Stockholm, Sweden. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, marked Andante sostenuto, begins with a somber and mournful melody played by the strings. The melody is then passed on to the woodwinds and eventually the brass, creating a sense of increasing intensity and emotion. The movement ends with a return to the original melody played by the strings, fading away into silence. The second movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is much more lively and energetic than the first. It begins with a fast and rhythmic theme played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass. The movement features several contrasting sections, including a slower and more lyrical section played by the strings and a frenzied section featuring rapid runs and trills in the woodwinds. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the opening theme. The final movement, marked Adagio, is the most introspective and contemplative of the three. It begins with a gentle and melancholic melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds and brass. The movement features several variations on this theme, including a section featuring a solo violin and a section featuring a solo horn. The movement ends with a return to the original melody played by the strings, fading away into silence. Overall, The Farewell is a deeply emotional and expressive work that showcases Rangström's skill as a composer. The piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, lush orchestration, and poignant melodies. It is often considered one of Rangström's most significant works and remains a popular piece in the orchestral repertoire.

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