Composer

:

Dmitry Shostakovich

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1933

Average_duration

:

27:04

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

The Bolt, suite, Op. 27a is a ballet composed by Dmitry Shostakovich in 1931. The ballet premiered on April 8, 1931, at the Maly Theatre in Leningrad, with choreography by Fyodor Lopukhov. The suite was later arranged for orchestra by the composer and premiered in Moscow on November 28, 1931. The suite consists of eight movements, each depicting a different scene from the ballet. The first movement, "Overture," sets the tone for the entire suite with its lively and energetic melody. The second movement, "The Dance of the Soloist," features a solo violin accompanied by pizzicato strings and a playful woodwind section. The third movement, "The Dance of the Workers," is a lively and rhythmic dance that depicts the workers' enthusiasm and energy. The fourth movement, "The Dance of the Militiamen," is a march-like piece that features a brass section and percussion. The fifth movement, "The Dance of the Peasants and the Bears," is a humorous and playful dance that features a solo clarinet and a bassoon imitating the sound of a bear. The sixth movement, "The Dance of the Buffoons," is a fast and lively dance that features a solo trumpet and a playful woodwind section. The seventh movement, "The Dance of the Drayman and the Gypsy," is a slow and romantic dance that features a solo violin and a lush string section. The final movement, "Finale," brings the suite to a rousing conclusion with its energetic and triumphant melody. The Bolt is known for its satirical portrayal of Soviet society, particularly its depiction of the workers and the militia. Shostakovich's use of folk melodies and rhythms, as well as his incorporation of popular dance forms, gives the suite a distinctly Russian flavor. The Bolt, suite, Op. 27a remains a popular work in the ballet and orchestral repertoire.

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