Composer

:

Joachim Raff

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1855

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

"Dornröschen" is a fairy tale in four parts composed by Joachim Raff. The work was composed in 1871 and premiered on December 22, 1871, in Wiesbaden, Germany. The four movements of the work are titled "The Sleeping Beauty's Awakening," "The Prince's Journey," "The Wedding Celebration," and "The Curse of the Wicked Fairy." The first movement, "The Sleeping Beauty's Awakening," begins with a slow and mysterious introduction that sets the scene for the sleeping princess. The music gradually builds in intensity as the prince approaches the castle and finally reaches a triumphant climax as he awakens the princess with a kiss. The second movement, "The Prince's Journey," is a lively and energetic scherzo that depicts the prince's journey through the forest to reach the castle. The music is full of playful rhythms and colorful orchestration, with a central trio section that features a lyrical melody played by the strings. The third movement, "The Wedding Celebration," is a grand and festive march that celebrates the union of the prince and the princess. The music is full of pomp and circumstance, with a regal melody played by the brass and a lively dance section in the middle. The final movement, "The Curse of the Wicked Fairy," is a dark and ominous finale that depicts the curse placed on the princess by the wicked fairy. The music is full of dissonant harmonies and eerie orchestration, with a central section that features a haunting melody played by the woodwinds. Overall, "Dornröschen" is a charming and colorful work that captures the magic and wonder of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. Raff's skillful orchestration and melodic writing make the work a delight to listen to, and its four distinct movements provide a satisfying narrative arc.

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