Composer

:

Hector Berlioz

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

before 1852

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

La Fuite en Égypte, H.128 is a symphonic work composed by Hector Berlioz in 1850. It was premiered on December 17, 1850, at the Salle Herz in Paris, conducted by the composer himself. The piece is part of a larger work called L'Enfance du Christ, which tells the story of the birth and childhood of Jesus Christ. La Fuite en Égypte is the second movement of L'Enfance du Christ and depicts the flight of the Holy Family to Egypt to escape the massacre of the innocents ordered by King Herod. The movement is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section begins with a slow and mournful theme played by the cellos and basses, representing the sadness and fear of the Holy Family as they flee their homeland. The theme is then taken up by the violins and gradually builds in intensity as the family's journey becomes more perilous. The second section is more lively and depicts the bustling activity of the Egyptian marketplace where the Holy Family seeks refuge. The music is characterized by a fast and rhythmic theme played by the woodwinds and strings, evoking the sounds of the marketplace. The final section returns to the slow and mournful theme of the first section, as the Holy Family reflects on their journey and the hardships they have endured. The music gradually fades away, leaving a sense of quiet contemplation. Overall, La Fuite en Égypte is a masterful example of Berlioz's skill in orchestration and his ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through music. The piece is notable for its use of contrasting themes and textures, as well as its vivid depiction of the story of the Holy Family's flight to Egypt.

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