Composer

:

Guillaume Lekeu

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1890

Average_duration

:

14:28

Hamlet is a symphonic poem composed by Guillaume Lekeu in 1893. It premiered on March 17, 1894, in Brussels, Belgium. The piece is divided into three movements and is approximately 25 minutes in length. The first movement, marked "Très lent et rêveur" (very slow and dreamy), begins with a mournful melody played by the cellos and basses. This melody is then taken up by the violins and gradually builds in intensity. The music becomes more agitated as the movement progresses, with the brass and percussion adding to the tension. The movement ends with a return to the mournful melody played by the cellos and basses. The second movement, marked "Allegro agitato" (fast and agitated), is much more energetic than the first. It begins with a frenzied theme played by the strings and woodwinds. This theme is then developed and expanded upon throughout the movement, with the brass and percussion adding to the intensity. The movement ends with a sudden, dramatic chord. The third and final movement, marked "Lento" (slow), is the most introspective of the three. It begins with a haunting melody played by the clarinet, which is then taken up by the strings. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the brass and percussion adding to the emotional impact. The movement ends with a return to the clarinet melody, played softly and mournfully. Overall, Hamlet is a deeply emotional and introspective work. Lekeu's use of melody and orchestration creates a sense of tension and drama throughout the piece, reflecting the themes of Shakespeare's play. The mournful melodies and intense climaxes capture the tragedy and despair of Hamlet's story, making this symphonic poem a powerful and moving tribute to one of literature's greatest works.

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