Composer

:

R. Murray Schafer

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1979

Average_duration

:

29:11

"Beauty and the Beast" is a musical composition by Canadian composer R. Murray Schafer. It was composed in 1978 and premiered on May 4, 1978, at the University of Toronto's Walter Hall. The piece is divided into three movements and is scored for a chamber ensemble of 13 musicians. The first movement, titled "The Garden," is characterized by a dreamy and ethereal quality. The music is slow and atmospheric, with delicate textures and shimmering harmonies. The instrumentation includes harp, vibraphone, and celesta, which contribute to the otherworldly atmosphere of the piece. The second movement, "The Beast," is more dramatic and intense. The music is characterized by dissonant harmonies and jagged rhythms, which convey the ferocity and unpredictability of the Beast. The instrumentation includes brass and percussion, which add to the sense of power and aggression in the music. The final movement, "The Beauty," is the most lyrical and expressive of the three. The music is characterized by soaring melodies and lush harmonies, which convey the beauty and grace of the titular character. The instrumentation includes strings and woodwinds, which contribute to the romantic and emotional quality of the music. Overall, "Beauty and the Beast" is a highly evocative and imaginative work that showcases Schafer's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of unconventional instrumentation and its ability to create vivid musical landscapes that transport the listener to another world.

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