Composer

:

Malcolm Arnold

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1963

Average_duration

:

14:49

"Electra, Op. 79" is a ballet composed by Malcolm Arnold in 1963. The plot of the ballet is based on the Greek myth of Electra, the daughter of King Agamemnon and Queen Clytemnestra. The story revolves around Electra's desire for revenge against her mother and her lover, who murdered her father. The ballet is divided into three movements, each depicting a different aspect of the story. The first movement, titled "The Palace," sets the scene in the palace of King Agamemnon. The music is grand and majestic, reflecting the opulence of the palace. The second movement, titled "The Murder," depicts the murder of King Agamemnon by Clytemnestra and her lover. The music is dark and ominous, with dissonant chords and eerie melodies. The final movement, titled "The Revenge," is the climax of the ballet. Electra, consumed by her desire for revenge, plots to kill her mother and her lover. The music is intense and dramatic, with driving rhythms and soaring melodies. The ballet ends with Electra achieving her revenge, but at a great cost to herself. "Electra, Op. 79" premiered on June 27, 1963, at the Royal Opera House in London. The ballet was choreographed by John Cranko and featured designs by John Piper. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Arnold's score for its emotional depth and dramatic power. One of the characteristics of "Electra, Op. 79" is its use of a large orchestra, which includes a wide range of instruments such as percussion, brass, and strings. Arnold's score also features a variety of musical styles, from grand orchestral passages to more intimate solo sections. The music is highly expressive, with Arnold using dissonance and unconventional harmonies to create a sense of tension and unease. Overall, "Electra, Op. 79" is a powerful and emotionally charged ballet that showcases Malcolm Arnold's skill as a composer. Its timeless story and evocative music continue to captivate audiences to this day.

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