Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1927 - 1930

First Performance

:

Jul 5, 1931

Average_duration

:

45:47

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

Job, A Masque for Dancing is a ballet composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1930. The ballet is based on the biblical story of Job, and it was choreographed by Ninette de Valois. The ballet premiered on September 22, 1931, at the Royal Opera House in London. The ballet is divided into nine movements, each of which represents a different episode in the story of Job. The first movement, "Introduction: In the Court of the Heavenly Ones," sets the scene in heaven, where Satan challenges God to test Job's faith. The second movement, "Satan's Dance of Triumph," depicts Satan's joy at being given permission to test Job. The third movement, "Minuet of the Sons and Daughters of Job," introduces Job's family and friends, who are unaware of the challenge that has been issued. The fourth movement, "Job's Dream," portrays Job's nightmare, in which he sees his family and possessions destroyed. The fifth movement, "Dance of the Messengers," depicts the messengers who bring Job news of his losses. The sixth movement, "Job's Comforters," shows Job's friends trying to console him, but ultimately failing. The seventh movement, "Elihu's Dance of Youth and Beauty," introduces Elihu, a young man who tries to convince Job to trust in God. The eighth movement, "Job's Curse," sees Job cursing the day he was born. The final movement, "Epilogue: Job's Blessing, Death and Translation," shows Job being blessed by God and his fortunes being restored. Job then dies and is taken to heaven. The music of Job, A Masque for Dancing is characterized by its use of folk melodies and modal harmonies. Vaughan Williams was known for his interest in English folk music, and this influence is evident in the score. The ballet is also notable for its use of percussion, which adds to the dramatic effect of the music. Overall, Job, A Masque for Dancing is a powerful and moving ballet that tells the story of Job's faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. Its premiere in 1931 was a great success, and it has since become a beloved work in the ballet repertoire.

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