Composer

:

Alfred Schnittke

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1986

Average_duration

:

129:22

'Peer Gynt' is a ballet composed by Alfred Schnittke in 1985. The ballet is based on the play of the same name by Henrik Ibsen. The plot of the ballet follows the life of Peer Gynt, a Norwegian peasant who dreams of becoming a hero and living a life of adventure. Peer's journey takes him through various adventures, including encounters with trolls, a kidnapping by a group of Arab traders, and a visit to the court of the Egyptian Pharaoh. The ballet is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different stage in Peer's life. The first movement, "Peer Gynt's Youth," depicts Peer's early years as a carefree and reckless young man. The second movement, "Peer Gynt and the Trolls," sees Peer encounter a group of trolls who try to lure him into their world. The third movement, "Peer Gynt in the Desert," follows Peer's kidnapping by Arab traders and his subsequent journey through the desert. The final movement, "Peer Gynt's Return," sees Peer return to Norway and confront the consequences of his actions. Schnittke's score for 'Peer Gynt' is characterized by its use of a wide range of musical styles, including classical, folk, and contemporary music. The score also features a number of solo instruments, including the accordion, saxophone, and electric guitar. 'Peer Gynt' premiered on May 23, 1986, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, with choreography by Yuri Grigorovich. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and has since become a staple of the ballet repertoire. Its enduring popularity is due in part to its timeless themes of love, adventure, and self-discovery, as well as its stunning choreography and Schnittke's masterful score.

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