Composer

:

William Walton

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1940

Average_duration

:

19:12

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

The Wise Virgins is a ballet suite composed by William Walton in 1940. The ballet is based on the parable of the ten virgins from the Gospel of Matthew. The plot of the ballet revolves around a group of ten virgins who are waiting for the arrival of the bridegroom. Five of the virgins are wise and have brought enough oil for their lamps, while the other five are foolish and have not brought enough oil. The ballet is divided into six movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the story. The first movement, "Prologue," sets the scene and introduces the characters. The second movement, "The March of the Wise Virgins," features a lively and celebratory march as the wise virgins make their way to the wedding feast. The third movement, "The March of the Foolish Virgins," is more somber and mournful, as the foolish virgins realize their mistake and try to find more oil. The fourth movement, "The Arrival of the Bridegroom," is the climax of the ballet. The music is dramatic and intense as the bridegroom finally arrives and the wise virgins are admitted to the wedding feast, while the foolish virgins are left outside. The fifth movement, "The Dance of the Five Couples," is a joyful celebration of the wedding feast, with each couple dancing in turn. The final movement, "The Finale," brings the ballet to a close with a triumphant reprise of the "March of the Wise Virgins." The Wise Virgins premiered on June 27, 1940, at the Royal Opera House in London, with choreography by Frederick Ashton and designs by William Chappell. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and has since become a popular choice for ballet companies around the world. One of the characteristics of The Wise Virgins is its use of folk melodies and dance rhythms. Walton was known for his interest in folk music, and he incorporated elements of English folk music into the score. Another characteristic is the dramatic and emotional intensity of the music, particularly in the climactic fourth movement. The ballet also features a large orchestra, with a wide range of instruments and textures used to create a rich and varied sound. Overall, The Wise Virgins is a powerful and evocative ballet that continues to captivate audiences today.

More....