Composer

:

Joachim Raff

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1879

Average_duration

:

8:20

Joachim Raff's 'Overture to Othello' is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1869. It was premiered on November 28, 1869, in Weimar, Germany, under the baton of Franz Liszt. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the story of Othello. The first movement, marked Allegro, represents the character of Othello himself. It begins with a somber, mournful theme that represents Othello's tragic fate. This theme is then contrasted with a more lively, energetic theme that represents Othello's military prowess and his love for Desdemona. The two themes are then developed and intertwined, representing the conflict within Othello's own character. The second movement, marked Andante, represents the character of Desdemona. It begins with a gentle, lyrical theme that represents her innocence and purity. This theme is then contrasted with a more dramatic, passionate theme that represents her love for Othello. The two themes are then developed and intertwined, representing the conflict between Desdemona's love for Othello and her tragic fate. The third movement, marked Allegro vivace, represents the character of Iago. It begins with a sinister, menacing theme that represents Iago's evil intentions. This theme is then contrasted with a more playful, mischievous theme that represents Iago's manipulative nature. The two themes are then developed and intertwined, representing the conflict between Iago's evil intentions and his ability to manipulate those around him. Overall, Raff's 'Overture to Othello' is a powerful and dramatic piece of music that effectively captures the essence of Shakespeare's tragic play. Its use of contrasting themes and development of those themes throughout the three movements effectively represents the complex characters and conflicts within the story.

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