Composer

:

Edward Joseph Collins

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1929

Average_duration

:

15:11

'Hibernia' is a symphonic poem composed by Edward Joseph Collins in 1902. It was premiered on March 17, 1903, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Karl Muck. The piece is divided into three movements, each representing a different aspect of Irish culture and history. The first movement, titled "The Land of Youth," is a depiction of the mythical land of Tir na nOg, where the ancient Irish believed the gods and heroes of their past resided. The music is ethereal and dreamlike, with delicate harp and flute solos evoking the otherworldly nature of the land. The second movement, "The Battle of Clontarf," is a musical retelling of the famous battle fought in 1014 between the forces of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland, and the Viking invaders. The music is martial and intense, with driving rhythms and brass fanfares representing the clash of armies. The final movement, "The Lament of Deirdre," is a mournful elegy for the tragic heroine of Irish mythology. Deirdre was a beautiful woman whose beauty caused a war between two Irish kings. The music is slow and mournful, with a haunting melody played by the solo violin representing Deirdre's sorrow and despair. Overall, 'Hibernia' is a powerful and evocative tribute to Irish culture and history. Collins' use of traditional Irish melodies and instruments, such as the harp and uilleann pipes, gives the piece an authentic and deeply emotional quality. The work has become a staple of the orchestral repertoire and is still performed and admired today.

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