Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Suite

Average_duration

:

56:28

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

New Babylon, Op. 18a is a ballet score composed by Dmitry Shostakovich in 1931. The ballet was premiered on 24 December 1932 at the Kirov Theatre in Leningrad, with choreography by Leonid Lavrovsky and set design by Vladimir Dmitriev. The ballet tells the story of the Paris Commune of 1871, a revolutionary government that briefly ruled Paris. The score is divided into six movements, each representing a different aspect of the story. The first movement, "The Siege of Paris," is a dramatic and intense depiction of the conflict between the French government and the Commune. The second movement, "The Barricades," is a lively and rhythmic dance that represents the barricades erected by the Commune to defend themselves against the government forces. The third movement, "The Execution," is a haunting and mournful piece that represents the execution of the Commune's leaders. The fourth movement, "The Market," is a lively and colorful dance that represents the bustling marketplaces of Paris. The fifth movement, "The Parisians," is a lyrical and romantic piece that represents the people of Paris and their daily lives. The final movement, "The Commune," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that represents the victory of the Commune and the establishment of a new society. The score is characterized by its use of folk melodies, military marches, and popular songs of the time, which Shostakovich weaves together to create a unique and powerful musical narrative. Overall, New Babylon, Op. 18a is a powerful and evocative work that captures the spirit of the Paris Commune and the revolutionary ideals it represented. Shostakovich's score is a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both emotionally powerful and intellectually stimulating.

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