Composer

:

Eric Coates

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Fantasy

Average_duration

:

9:48

Eric Coates' "The Selfish Giant" is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1925. It premiered on October 15, 1925, at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by the composer himself. The piece is based on the fairy tale of the same name by Oscar Wilde. The symphonic poem is divided into three movements. The first movement, "The Giant's Garden," begins with a slow and somber introduction that sets the scene for the giant's garden. The music then becomes more lively and playful, depicting the joy and happiness of the children who play in the garden. The movement ends with a return to the somber theme, foreshadowing the giant's return. The second movement, "The Giant's Return," is much more dramatic and intense. The music is dark and foreboding, reflecting the giant's anger and frustration at finding the children in his garden. The movement builds to a powerful climax before ending with a sense of unease and tension. The final movement, "The Joy of Spring," is a complete contrast to the previous movement. The music is light and joyful, reflecting the arrival of spring and the giant's change of heart. The movement is full of energy and optimism, with a sense of hope and renewal. Overall, "The Selfish Giant" is a beautifully crafted symphonic poem that captures the essence of Oscar Wilde's fairy tale. Coates' use of orchestration and melody is masterful, creating a vivid and evocative musical landscape. The piece is a testament to Coates' skill as a composer and his ability to tell a story through music.

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