Composer

:

Friedrich Kuhlau

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1828

Average_duration

:

59:54

Elverhøj, incidental music, Op. 100, is a composition by Friedrich Kuhlau, a Danish-German composer, pianist, and conductor. The piece was composed in 1828 and premiered on December 15, 1828, at the Royal Danish Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark. The music was written to accompany a play of the same name, which was written by Johan Ludvig Heiberg. The music consists of six movements, each of which is designed to accompany a specific scene in the play. The first movement, titled "Overture," is a lively and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the music. The second movement, "The Elfin Hill," is a slow and mysterious piece that captures the magical atmosphere of the play. The third movement, "The Bridal Procession," is a joyful and celebratory piece that accompanies a wedding scene in the play. The fourth movement, "The Elfin King's Dance," is a lively and playful piece that captures the mischievous nature of the elves in the play. The fifth movement, "The Elfin King's Departure," is a sad and mournful piece that accompanies the departure of the Elfin King from the mortal world. The final movement, "The Bridal Waltz," is a joyful and celebratory piece that accompanies a dance scene in the play. The music of Elverhøj is characterized by its use of folk melodies and dance rhythms, which are typical of Danish music. Kuhlau also incorporates elements of classical music, such as sonata form and counterpoint, into the music. The result is a unique blend of classical and folk music that captures the spirit of the play and the culture of Denmark. Overall, Elverhøj, incidental music, Op. 100, is a beautiful and enchanting piece of music that showcases Kuhlau's talent as a composer. The music perfectly captures the magical atmosphere of the play and the culture of Denmark, making it a beloved piece of music in Danish music history.

More....