Composer

:

Albert Roussel

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

ca. 1935 - 1937

Average_duration

:

8:16

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Elpénor, Op. 59 is a symphonic poem composed by Albert Roussel in 1934. The piece was premiered on January 23, 1935, by the Orchestre de la Société des Concerts du Conservatoire in Paris, conducted by Roger Désormière. The piece is divided into three movements, each depicting a different aspect of the story of Elpénor, a character from Homer's Odyssey. The first movement, "Elpénor's Dream," begins with a slow and mysterious introduction, representing Elpénor's dream of his own death. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the use of dissonant harmonies and complex rhythms, before reaching a climax and fading away. The second movement, "Elpénor's Dance," is a lively and rhythmic scherzo, depicting Elpénor's wild and drunken dance on the roof of Circe's palace. The music is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and playful melodies, as well as its colorful orchestration. The final movement, "Elpénor's Death," is a somber and mournful adagio, representing Elpénor's tragic fall from the roof of Circe's palace. The music is characterized by its use of long, sustained melodies and rich harmonies, as well as its dramatic use of orchestral color. Overall, Elpénor, Op. 59 is a powerful and evocative work, showcasing Roussel's mastery of orchestration and his ability to tell a compelling musical story.

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