Composer

:

Dominick Argento

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1997

Average_duration

:

10:08

Valentino Dances is a ballet score composed by Dominick Argento in 1979. The piece was commissioned by the Minnesota Orchestra and premiered on March 1, 1979, with the Minnesota Dance Theatre performing the choreography. The ballet score is divided into six movements, each of which is inspired by a different aspect of the life of Rudolph Valentino, a silent film star of the 1920s. The first movement, "The Sheik," is a lively and exotic dance that captures the spirit of Valentino's most famous film. The second movement, "The Four Horsemen," is a haunting and melancholic piece that reflects the tragedy of Valentino's early death. The third movement, "The Latin Lover," is a sensual and romantic dance that celebrates Valentino's reputation as a heartthrob. The fourth movement, "The Tango," is a passionate and fiery dance that captures the intensity of the Argentinean dance. The fifth movement, "The Cobra," is a mysterious and hypnotic piece that reflects Valentino's fascination with the occult. The final movement, "The Death," is a somber and mournful piece that reflects the tragedy of Valentino's untimely death. The score of Valentino Dances is characterized by its lush and evocative orchestration, which features a wide range of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The music is highly expressive and emotive, with each movement capturing a different aspect of Valentino's life and personality. The score is also notable for its use of traditional dance forms, such as the tango and the waltz, which are blended with more modern and experimental elements to create a unique and compelling sound. Overall, Valentino Dances is a powerful and evocative ballet score that captures the spirit and legacy of one of Hollywood's most iconic stars. With its rich orchestration, expressive melodies, and diverse range of movements, it remains a beloved and enduring work of contemporary classical music.

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