Composer

:

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1897

Publication Date

:

1898

Average_duration

:

4:14

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's 'The Prophet, voice & piano, Op. 49/2' is a song cycle composed in 1898. It premiered in the same year in St. Petersburg, Russia. The cycle consists of four movements, each based on a poem by the Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. The first movement, 'The Prophet', is a dramatic and powerful piece that showcases Rimsky-Korsakov's skill in creating vivid musical imagery. The piano accompaniment is forceful and intense, while the vocal line is full of passion and emotion. The lyrics describe a prophet who foretells the end of the world, and the music captures the sense of impending doom and chaos. The second movement, 'The Statue at Tsarskoye Selo', is a more subdued and introspective piece. The piano accompaniment is delicate and intricate, while the vocal line is gentle and contemplative. The lyrics describe a statue of a woman that comes to life and tells the story of her tragic love affair. The music captures the sense of melancholy and nostalgia in the poem. The third movement, 'The Clouds', is a lively and playful piece that showcases Rimsky-Korsakov's skill in creating colorful and imaginative music. The piano accompaniment is light and airy, while the vocal line is full of energy and humor. The lyrics describe a group of clouds that dance and play in the sky, and the music captures the sense of joy and freedom in the poem. The final movement, 'The Prophetess', is a haunting and mystical piece that showcases Rimsky-Korsakov's skill in creating ethereal and otherworldly music. The piano accompaniment is sparse and atmospheric, while the vocal line is full of mystery and wonder. The lyrics describe a prophetess who sees visions of the future, and the music captures the sense of awe and reverence in the poem. Overall, 'The Prophet, voice & piano, Op. 49/2' is a masterful work that showcases Rimsky-Korsakov's skill in creating vivid and evocative music. The cycle is full of drama, emotion, and imagination, and it remains a beloved work in the classical vocal repertoire.

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