Composer

:

Ekrem Zeki Ün

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1932

Average_duration

:

6:18

"At the Tomb of Yunus" is a symphonic poem composed by Ekrem Zeki Ün in 1934. The piece was premiered on March 15, 1935, by the Istanbul Municipal Orchestra under the direction of the composer. The work is inspired by the story of Jonah and the Whale, which is also known as the story of Yunus in Islamic tradition. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked "Andante sostenuto," begins with a somber and mournful theme played by the strings. The music gradually builds in intensity as the brass and percussion enter, creating a sense of tension and drama. The movement ends with a powerful climax, representing the moment when Jonah is swallowed by the whale. The second movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is much more energetic and lively than the first. The music is characterized by fast, rhythmic passages played by the strings and woodwinds, punctuated by bursts of brass and percussion. This movement represents the struggle of Jonah inside the whale, as he prays for deliverance. The final movement, marked "Andante maestoso," is the most triumphant of the three. The music is grand and majestic, with soaring melodies played by the brass and strings. This movement represents the moment when Jonah is released from the whale and emerges from its belly, reborn and renewed. Throughout the piece, Ün makes use of traditional Turkish musical elements, such as the use of the ney (a type of flute) and the kudüm (a type of drum). These elements give the piece a distinctly Turkish flavor, while also highlighting the connection between the story of Jonah and Islamic tradition. Overall, "At the Tomb of Yunus" is a powerful and evocative work that captures the drama and emotion of the story of Jonah. Its use of traditional Turkish musical elements adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to the piece, making it a unique and important contribution to the world of classical music.

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