Composer

:

Ben Weber

Genre

:

Symphony

Style

:

Symphony

Average_duration

:

28:54

Symphony, Op. 33 On Poems of William Blake is a four-movement symphony composed by American composer Ben Weber. The symphony was composed in 1957 and premiered on March 6, 1958, by the New York Philharmonic under the baton of Leonard Bernstein. The first movement, titled "The Tyger," is based on William Blake's poem of the same name. The movement begins with a mysterious and ominous introduction, followed by a lively and rhythmic section that represents the tiger's energy and power. The movement ends with a return to the mysterious opening material. The second movement, titled "The Lamb," is based on another of Blake's poems. This movement is much more serene and peaceful than the first, with a gentle melody played by the strings. The movement builds to a climax before returning to the peaceful opening material. The third movement, titled "The Fly," is based on a short poem by Blake. This movement is much shorter than the previous two, with a fast and frenzied opening section that represents the fly's buzzing. The movement then slows down and becomes more contemplative before returning to the fast opening material. The final movement, titled "The Garden of Love," is based on another of Blake's poems. This movement is the longest of the four and is much more complex than the previous movements. The movement begins with a slow and mournful introduction before moving into a lively and rhythmic section. The movement then becomes more introspective before returning to the lively material. The movement ends with a return to the mournful opening material. Overall, Symphony, Op. 33 On Poems of William Blake is a complex and challenging work that showcases Weber's skill as a composer. The symphony is notable for its use of complex rhythms and harmonies, as well as its incorporation of literary themes and motifs.

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