Composer

:

Ottorino Respighi

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

23:08

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Belkis, Queen of Sheba, P. 177 is a symphonic poem composed by Ottorino Respighi in 1931. The piece was inspired by the story of the Queen of Sheba, a legendary figure from the Bible and the Quran who is said to have visited King Solomon in Jerusalem. The premiere of Belkis, Queen of Sheba took place on December 3, 1932, in Rome, with the composer conducting the Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. The piece is divided into four movements, each depicting a different aspect of the Queen's story. The first movement, "The Dream of Solomon," begins with a mysterious and dreamlike introduction, featuring harps and muted strings. This leads into a lively and rhythmic section, representing the bustling city of Jerusalem. The music then becomes more introspective, as Solomon reflects on his dream of the Queen of Sheba. The second movement, "The Dance of Belkis at Dawn," is a lively and colorful depiction of the Queen's morning dance. The music is full of exotic rhythms and melodies, featuring percussion instruments such as tambourines and castanets. The third movement, "War and Victory of Belkis," is a dramatic and intense depiction of the Queen's military campaign. The music is full of martial rhythms and brass fanfares, as well as moments of quiet reflection. The final movement, "Orgiastic Scene of the Queen's Return," is a wild and frenzied depiction of the Queen's triumphant return to her kingdom. The music is full of dissonant harmonies and chaotic rhythms, representing the Queen's ecstatic celebration. Overall, Belkis, Queen of Sheba is a colorful and evocative piece of music, full of exotic rhythms and melodies. Respighi's use of orchestration is particularly noteworthy, with the composer making use of a wide range of instruments to create a vivid and immersive sonic landscape.

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