Composer

:

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1985

First Performance

:

Oct 27, 1985

Average_duration

:

3:22

Einojuhani Rautavaara's 'Legenda' is a composition for solo cello and orchestra. It was composed in 1976 and premiered on 22nd October 1979 in Helsinki, Finland. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, titled 'Lento', is marked by a slow and melancholic melody played by the cello. The orchestra provides a soft and gentle accompaniment, creating a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere. The movement gradually builds in intensity, with the cello playing more virtuosic passages and the orchestra adding more layers of sound. The movement ends with a return to the initial melancholic melody, played by the cello alone. The second movement, titled 'Molto vivo', is a fast and energetic scherzo. The cello plays a lively and rhythmic theme, which is then taken up by the orchestra. The movement is characterized by its playful and whimsical nature, with sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics. The cello and orchestra engage in a lively dialogue, with the cello often taking on a more virtuosic role. The final movement, titled 'Largamente', is marked by a slow and solemn melody played by the cello. The orchestra provides a rich and expansive accompaniment, creating a sense of grandeur and majesty. The movement gradually builds in intensity, with the cello playing more passionate and expressive passages. The movement ends with a return to the initial solemn melody, played by the cello alone. Overall, 'Legenda' is a work of great emotional depth and expressive power. Rautavaara's use of the cello as a solo instrument allows for a wide range of colors and textures, while the orchestration provides a rich and varied backdrop. The three movements are distinct in character, yet they are united by a common sense of lyricism and beauty. 'Legenda' is a testament to Rautavaara's skill as a composer and his ability to create music of great emotional impact.

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