Composer

:

Arthur Bliss

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1938

Publication Date

:

1955

First Performance

:

Apr 7, 1938

Average_duration

:

25:08

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Arthur Bliss composed the ballet Checkmate in 1937, which was premiered on 15th April 1937 at the Royal Opera House in London. The ballet was choreographed by Ninette de Valois, and the music was composed by Bliss. The ballet is set in a medieval court, where the characters are represented by chess pieces. The Prologue and Five Dances from Checkmate, Op. 57, F. 2e is a suite of music taken from the ballet. The Prologue sets the scene for the ballet, with a slow and ominous introduction that builds to a climax. The music is dark and foreboding, with a sense of impending danger. The first dance is the Dance of the Red Pawns, which is a lively and energetic dance. The music is fast-paced and rhythmic, with a sense of urgency. The second dance is the Dance of the Four Knights, which is a slower and more stately dance. The music is regal and majestic, with a sense of grandeur. The third dance is the Dance of the Four Queens, which is a fast and lively dance. The music is playful and light-hearted, with a sense of mischief. The fourth dance is the Dance of the Three Crones, which is a slow and eerie dance. The music is haunting and mysterious, with a sense of the supernatural. The final dance is the Dance of the Red King and Queen, which is a dramatic and intense dance. The music is powerful and majestic, with a sense of triumph. The Prologue and Five Dances from Checkmate, Op. 57, F. 2e is a masterful composition that showcases Bliss's skill as a composer. The music is rich and complex, with a wide range of emotions and moods. The suite is a perfect example of how music can enhance and complement a ballet, and it remains a popular piece of music to this day.

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