Composer

:

Marius Flothuis

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Average_duration

:

6:42

'Pour le Tombeau D'Orphée for harp, Op. 37' is a composition by Dutch composer Marius Flothuis. It was composed in 1956 as a tribute to the French poet Jean Cocteau, who had passed away the previous year. The piece was premiered on May 17, 1956, by harpist Phia Berghout at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, marked "Lento," is mournful and introspective, with a haunting melody that is passed between the hands of the harpist. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is more lively and playful, with a rhythmic ostinato in the left hand and a virtuosic melody in the right. The final movement, marked "Adagio," returns to the mournful mood of the first movement, with a simple yet poignant melody that gradually fades away. Flothuis was known for his use of serialism in his compositions, and 'Pour le Tombeau D'Orphée' is no exception. The piece is based on a twelve-tone row, which is used to create the melodic and harmonic material throughout the composition. However, Flothuis also incorporates elements of tonality and modal harmony, giving the piece a sense of both modernity and tradition. Overall, 'Pour le Tombeau D'Orphée for harp, Op. 37' is a beautiful and poignant tribute to Jean Cocteau, and a testament to Flothuis's skill as a composer. Its use of serialism and tonality make it a unique and interesting addition to the harp repertoire.

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