Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

Feb 20, 1955 - Apr 13, 1955

Publication Date

:

1956

First Performance

:

Aug 26, 1956

Average_duration

:

18:49

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Bohuslav Martinu's 'Frescoes of Piero della Francesca, H. 352' is a symphonic work that was composed in 1955. The piece was premiered on October 28, 1956, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Charles Munch. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is inspired by a fresco painted by the Italian Renaissance artist Piero della Francesca. The first movement, titled 'The Nativity', is based on Piero's fresco of the same name, which depicts the birth of Jesus Christ. The movement begins with a slow, mysterious introduction that gradually builds in intensity, leading to a lively and joyful main theme. The music is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and shifting meters, which give it a sense of unpredictability and energy. The second movement, 'The Resurrection', is inspired by Piero's fresco of the same name, which depicts the resurrection of Christ. The movement begins with a solemn and mournful theme, which gradually gives way to a more hopeful and triumphant melody. The music is characterized by its use of dissonant harmonies and angular melodies, which give it a sense of tension and drama. The final movement, 'The Flagellation', is based on Piero's fresco of the same name, which depicts the flagellation of Christ. The movement begins with a slow and mournful theme, which gradually builds in intensity, leading to a frenzied and chaotic climax. The music is characterized by its use of driving rhythms and harsh dissonances, which give it a sense of violence and brutality. Overall, Martinu's 'Frescoes of Piero della Francesca' is a powerful and evocative work that captures the spirit of the Italian Renaissance through its use of vivid imagery and expressive musical language. The piece is a testament to Martinu's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

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