Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1922

Publication Date

:

1935

First Performance

:

Apr 2, 1951

Average_duration

:

3:51

'Aeschylus and Sophocles, S. 206' is a composition by Charles Ives, an American composer known for his experimental and innovative approach to music. The piece was composed in 1909 and premiered in 1912. It is a four-movement work for orchestra, and each movement is named after a play by the ancient Greek playwrights Aeschylus and Sophocles. The first movement, "Agamemnon and Cassandra," is based on Aeschylus' play "Agamemnon." It begins with a slow, mournful theme played by the strings, which is then interrupted by a frenzied, dissonant section representing the chaos and violence of the Trojan War. The movement ends with a return to the mournful theme, suggesting the tragedy and loss of the play. The second movement, "Oedipus Tyrannus," is based on Sophocles' play of the same name. It begins with a haunting, mysterious theme played by the woodwinds, which is then developed and expanded upon by the rest of the orchestra. The movement builds to a powerful climax before ending with a return to the original theme. The third movement, "Antigone: Chorale and Fugue," is based on Sophocles' play "Antigone." It begins with a solemn, hymn-like chorale played by the brass and strings, which is then followed by a complex fugue played by the entire orchestra. The movement is characterized by its intricate counterpoint and complex harmonies. The final movement, "The Death of Empedocles," is based on a play by the German poet Friedrich Hölderlin, which was inspired by the life of the ancient Greek philosopher Empedocles. The movement begins with a slow, mournful theme played by the strings, which is then interrupted by a frenzied, dissonant section representing the philosopher's descent into madness. The movement ends with a return to the mournful theme, suggesting the tragedy and loss of Empedocles' life. Overall, 'Aeschylus and Sophocles, S. 206' is a complex and innovative work that showcases Ives' unique approach to music. It combines elements of traditional classical music with experimental techniques and unconventional harmonies, creating a work that is both challenging and rewarding for both performers and listeners.

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