Alexander Moyzes
Down the River Váh, Op. 26
Works Info
Composer:Alexander MoyzesGenre:OrchestralStyle:OrchestralCompose Date:1935 - 1945Average_duration:23:15"Down the River Váh, Op. 26" is a symphonic poem composed by Alexander Moyzes, a Slovak composer, in 1942. The piece was premiered on March 7, 1943, in Bratislava, Slovakia, by the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Vaclav Talich. The symphonic poem is divided into three movements, each depicting a different aspect of the Váh River, which flows through Slovakia. The first movement, "The Source," begins with a gentle and peaceful melody, representing the calm and serene beginning of the river. As the movement progresses, the music becomes more lively and energetic, symbolizing the river's growing strength and power. The second movement, "The Rapids," is more intense and dramatic, with fast-paced rhythms and sudden shifts in dynamics. This movement represents the dangerous and unpredictable rapids that the river flows through, with the music reflecting the turbulence and chaos of the water. The final movement, "The Confluence," brings the piece to a triumphant conclusion, as the Váh River meets the Danube River. The music is grand and majestic, with soaring melodies and powerful brass fanfares, representing the merging of the two great rivers. Overall, "Down the River Váh, Op. 26" is a beautiful and evocative piece of music, showcasing Moyzes' skill as a composer and his love for his homeland of Slovakia. The piece is characterized by its lush orchestration, rich harmonies, and vivid musical imagery, making it a beloved work in the Slovakian classical music repertoire.More....