Composer

:

Jean Sibelius

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1906

Average_duration

:

20:33

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

Belshazzar's Feast, Op. 51 is a choral work composed by Jean Sibelius in 1906. The piece was premiered on November 25, 1906, in Helsinki, Finland, with Sibelius conducting. The work is divided into three movements and is based on the biblical story of Belshazzar's Feast. The first movement, "Thus Spake Isaiah," begins with a solemn and mysterious introduction, followed by a choral recitation of the prophecy of Isaiah. The music is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of foreboding and tension. The second movement, "Belshazzar's Feast," is the centerpiece of the work. It begins with a lively and rhythmic orchestral introduction, which sets the scene for the feast. The choir then enters with a dramatic and declamatory chorus, singing of the revelry and excess of the Babylonian king's feast. The music is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular rhythms, which create a sense of chaos and disorder. The final movement, "The Writing on the Wall," begins with a quiet and introspective orchestral introduction, followed by a choral recitation of the prophecy of Daniel. The music is characterized by its use of modal harmonies and simple melodies, which create a sense of solemnity and reverence. Overall, Belshazzar's Feast, Op. 51 is a powerful and dramatic work that showcases Sibelius's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by its use of chromaticism, dissonance, syncopation, and irregular rhythms, which create a sense of tension, chaos, and disorder. The work is a testament to Sibelius's ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and intellectually stimulating.

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