Composer

:

Alfred Schnittke

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Piece

Compose Date

:

1993

Average_duration

:

22:59

Alfred Schnittke's "Epilogue from Peer Gynt" is a composition for orchestra that was completed in 1991. It was premiered on October 17, 1991, by the Russian State Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Gennady Rozhdestvensky. The piece is a single movement that lasts approximately 10 minutes. It is based on the final scene of Henrik Ibsen's play "Peer Gynt," in which the protagonist, having lived a life of adventure and self-discovery, returns to his homeland to die. The music reflects the emotional intensity of this scene, with moments of both tenderness and grandeur. The piece begins with a mournful melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. This melody is then developed and expanded upon, with the addition of brass and percussion. The music builds to a climax, with the full orchestra playing a powerful and majestic theme. Throughout the piece, Schnittke employs a wide range of orchestral colors and textures, from delicate solo passages to full-throated tutti sections. He also incorporates elements of folk music, particularly in the use of pentatonic scales and rhythmic patterns. One of the most striking features of the piece is its use of dissonance and chromaticism. Schnittke frequently employs harsh, dissonant chords and unexpected harmonic shifts, creating a sense of tension and unease. This reflects the emotional turmoil of Peer Gynt as he confronts his mortality. Overall, "Epilogue from Peer Gynt" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Schnittke's skill as a composer. Its emotional intensity and rich orchestration make it a fitting tribute to Ibsen's masterpiece.

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