Composer

:

William Schuman

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1949

First Performance

:

Jan 4, 1950

Average_duration

:

21:52

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

'Judith' is a ballet composed by William Schuman in 1949. The plot of the ballet is based on the biblical story of Judith and Holofernes. The ballet is divided into three movements, each depicting a different aspect of the story. The first movement, titled "The City of Bethulia," sets the scene for the story. The music is dark and ominous, reflecting the impending danger that the city of Bethulia faces from the invading army of Holofernes. The movement features a large ensemble of dancers, representing the citizens of Bethulia, who are preparing for battle. The second movement, titled "Judith and Holofernes," is the centerpiece of the ballet. It depicts the encounter between Judith and Holofernes, in which Judith seduces and then beheads the Assyrian general. The music is sensual and dramatic, reflecting the tension and passion of the scene. The movement features a pas de deux between Judith and Holofernes, as well as a large ensemble of dancers representing the Assyrian army. The third movement, titled "The Triumph of Judith," depicts the aftermath of the battle. The music is triumphant and celebratory, reflecting the victory of the Israelites over the Assyrians. The movement features a large ensemble of dancers, celebrating the triumph of Judith and the Israelites. 'Judith' premiered on May 4, 1950, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City, with choreography by Antony Tudor and sets and costumes by Robert Edmond Jones. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and is considered one of Schuman's most successful works. The characteristics of 'Judith' are typical of Schuman's style, which is characterized by a blend of modernist and traditional elements. The music is tonal and rhythmic, with a strong sense of melody and harmony. Schuman's use of orchestration is particularly notable, with a wide range of colors and textures used to create a vivid and dramatic musical landscape. Overall, 'Judith' is a powerful and evocative ballet, which combines music, dance, and drama to tell a timeless story of love, betrayal, and triumph.

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