Composer

:

Wilhelm Stenhammar

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

16:37

"Ett drömspel" (A Dream Play) is a symphonic poem composed by Swedish composer Wilhelm Stenhammar in 1903. The piece was inspired by the play of the same name by August Strindberg, which Stenhammar had seen in Stockholm in 1901. The premiere of the piece took place on November 12, 1904, in Stockholm, with the composer conducting the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. The piece is divided into four movements, each representing a different scene from the play. The first movement, "Introduction," sets the stage for the dreamlike atmosphere of the piece with a slow, mysterious opening. The second movement, "The Castle," is more lively and features a waltz-like rhythm. The third movement, "The Street," is more chaotic and dissonant, representing the confusion and turmoil of the characters in the play. The final movement, "The Homecoming," is more peaceful and features a beautiful melody that represents the resolution of the play's conflicts. Stenhammar's "Ett drömspel" is characterized by its lush orchestration and use of chromaticism and dissonance. The piece is also notable for its use of leitmotifs, which are musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas in the play. Stenhammar's use of leitmotifs helps to create a cohesive musical narrative that mirrors the structure of the play. Overall, "Ett drömspel" is a powerful and evocative piece of music that captures the dreamlike quality of Strindberg's play. Stenhammar's skillful use of orchestration and leitmotifs make the piece a masterpiece of Swedish classical music.

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