Composer

:

Eric Whitacre

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

2001

Average_duration

:

8:28

"Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine" is a choral work composed by Eric Whitacre in 2001. The piece was premiered on April 14, 2001, by the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay, conducted by Jo-Michael Scheibe. The work is divided into six movements, each depicting a different aspect of Leonardo da Vinci's dream of flight. The first movement, "The Wings," begins with a solo soprano singing a haunting melody that is soon joined by the rest of the choir. The music is ethereal and dreamlike, evoking the sense of wonder and awe that Leonardo must have felt as he imagined himself soaring through the air. The second movement, "The Pilot," is more rhythmic and energetic, with the choir singing in a lively, syncopated rhythm. The music captures the excitement and anticipation of Leonardo as he prepares to take flight. In the third movement, "The Bird," the choir sings a beautiful, soaring melody that is reminiscent of a bird in flight. The music is peaceful and serene, evoking the sense of freedom and grace that Leonardo must have felt as he imagined himself flying. The fourth movement, "The Machine," is more mechanical and industrial, with the choir singing in a staccato rhythm that evokes the sound of gears and machinery. The music captures the complexity and ingenuity of Leonardo's designs for his flying machine. The fifth movement, "The Chase," is more dramatic and intense, with the choir singing in a frenzied, urgent rhythm. The music captures the sense of danger and excitement as Leonardo's flying machine is pursued by those who seek to stop him. The final movement, "The Dreamer," brings the piece to a peaceful and reflective close. The choir sings a gentle, lullaby-like melody that evokes the sense of contentment and satisfaction that Leonardo must have felt as he dreamed of flight. Overall, "Leonardo Dreams of His Flying Machine" is a stunning work that captures the imagination and spirit of one of history's greatest inventors. Whitacre's music is both beautiful and evocative, transporting the listener to a world of wonder and possibility.

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