Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Fantasy on 2 Themes from Saint-Saëns' "Samson et Dalila"
Works Info
Composer:Jean-Yves ThibaudetGenre:KeyboardStyle:KeyboardAverage_duration:6:58Jean-Yves Thibaudet's "Fantasy on 2 Themes from Saint-Saëns' Samson et Dalila" is a piano composition that was premiered on October 22, 2016, at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. The piece is based on two themes from Camille Saint-Saëns' opera "Samson et Dalila," which tells the biblical story of Samson and his love for the Philistine woman, Dalila. The composition is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked "Allegro moderato," begins with a dramatic introduction that sets the tone for the piece. Thibaudet then introduces the first theme, which is a haunting melody played in the lower register of the piano. The theme is then developed and transformed throughout the movement, with Thibaudet showcasing his virtuosic piano skills in the more technically demanding sections. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a more introspective and lyrical section of the piece. Thibaudet takes the second theme from "Samson et Dalila," which is a beautiful aria sung by Dalila, and transforms it into a delicate and expressive piano solo. The movement is marked by its use of rubato, with Thibaudet taking liberties with the tempo to create a more expressive and emotional performance. The final movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is a fiery and energetic conclusion to the piece. Thibaudet takes both themes from "Samson et Dalila" and weaves them together in a virtuosic display of piano technique. The movement is marked by its use of syncopation and rhythmic complexity, with Thibaudet pushing the limits of what is possible on the piano. Overall, Thibaudet's "Fantasy on 2 Themes from Saint-Saëns' Samson et Dalila" is a masterful composition that showcases both his technical prowess and his ability to create a cohesive and emotionally expressive piece of music. The use of themes from "Samson et Dalila" adds an extra layer of depth and meaning to the piece, making it a must-hear for fans of both Thibaudet and Saint-Saëns.More....