Composer

:

Feliks Nowowiejski

Genre

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1902

Average_duration

:

13:45

"The Return of the Prodigal Son, Op. 3" is a choral symphony composed by Feliks Nowowiejski, a Polish composer, organist, and conductor. The piece was composed in 1907 and premiered on January 26, 1908, in Poznań, Poland. The symphony is divided into four movements, each depicting a different scene from the biblical story of the prodigal son. The first movement, "The Departure," begins with a slow and mournful introduction, depicting the son's departure from his father's house. The music gradually becomes more agitated as the son's journey progresses. The movement ends with a powerful climax as the son leaves his father's house. The second movement, "The Prodigal Son in a Foreign Land," is more lively and energetic, depicting the son's wild and reckless lifestyle. The music is full of frenzied rhythms and dissonant harmonies, reflecting the chaos of the son's life. The third movement, "The Return," begins with a solemn and introspective theme, as the son realizes the error of his ways and decides to return home. The music gradually builds in intensity as the son approaches his father's house. The movement ends with a triumphant and joyful theme as the father welcomes his son back home. The final movement, "The Feast," is a celebratory and joyful piece, depicting the father's lavish feast in honor of his son's return. The music is full of lively rhythms and colorful harmonies, reflecting the joy and happiness of the occasion. Overall, "The Return of the Prodigal Son, Op. 3" is a powerful and emotional work, full of dramatic contrasts and vivid imagery. Nowowiejski's use of choral and orchestral forces creates a rich and complex sound world, perfectly suited to the epic scope of the biblical story.

More....