Composer

:

Paul Hindemith

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1944

Average_duration

:

35:09

Hérodiade is a ballet composed by Paul Hindemith in 1944. The plot of the ballet is based on the biblical story of Salome and John the Baptist. The ballet is divided into three movements, each depicting a different scene from the story. The first movement, titled "The Palace of Herod," sets the scene for the ballet. Herod, the ruler of Judea, is hosting a lavish banquet in his palace. Salome, his stepdaughter, enters and dances for him, captivating him with her beauty. Herod promises to give her anything she desires, and she asks for the head of John the Baptist, who is being held prisoner in the palace. The second movement, titled "The Prison of John the Baptist," takes place in the dungeon where John is being held. He sings a lament for his impending death, and his followers try to comfort him. Salome enters and demands his head, but John refuses to acknowledge her. She leaves in a rage, and John is left alone to face his fate. The third movement, titled "The Execution of John the Baptist," depicts the final moments of John's life. He is led to the executioner's block, where he is beheaded. Salome enters and takes his head, triumphantly displaying it to the horrified onlookers. Hindemith's score for Hérodiade is characterized by its use of dissonance and complex rhythms. The music is often atonal, with no clear tonal center, and the rhythms are frequently irregular and unpredictable. The orchestration is also highly varied, with a wide range of instruments used to create a rich and colorful sound. Hérodiade premiered on June 4, 1944, at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The ballet was choreographed by George Balanchine, with sets and costumes designed by Eugene Berman. The premiere was well-received by critics, who praised both the music and the choreography. However, the ballet has not become a staple of the repertoire, and is rarely performed today.

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