Composer

:

Ottorino Respighi

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1931

Belkis, Queen of Sheba is a ballet composed by Ottorino Respighi in 1931. The plot of the ballet is based on the story of the Queen of Sheba, who visits King Solomon in Jerusalem to test his wisdom. The ballet is divided into four movements, each depicting a different scene from the story. The first movement, titled "The Palace of Sheba," introduces the audience to the opulent world of the Queen of Sheba. The music is grand and majestic, with a Middle Eastern flavor that evokes the exoticism of the setting. The dancers are dressed in elaborate costumes, and the stage is set with luxurious furnishings and decorations. The second movement, "The Market of Jerusalem," takes place in the bustling marketplace of Jerusalem. The music is lively and energetic, with a mix of Middle Eastern and Western influences. The dancers portray the colorful characters of the market, from merchants and traders to beggars and street performers. The third movement, "The Temple of Solomon," is the centerpiece of the ballet. The music is solemn and reverent, with a choral section that adds to the spiritual atmosphere. The dancers portray the priests and worshippers of the temple, as well as King Solomon himself. The Queen of Sheba enters the temple and presents her riddles to Solomon, testing his wisdom. The final movement, "The Return to Sheba," brings the story to a close. The music is triumphant and celebratory, with a sense of joy and fulfillment. The dancers portray the Queen of Sheba and her retinue as they return to their homeland, bringing with them the wisdom and knowledge they have gained from their journey. Overall, Belkis, Queen of Sheba is a grand and sweeping ballet that showcases Respighi's skill as a composer. The music is rich and evocative, with a blend of Eastern and Western influences that creates a unique and exotic atmosphere. The dancers are given ample opportunity to showcase their skills, with elaborate choreography that ranges from the lively and energetic to the solemn and reverent. The ballet premiered in Rome in 1932 and has since become a beloved classic of the ballet repertoire.

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