Composer

:

Heinz Tiessen

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1956

Average_duration

:

17:01

Heinz Tiessen's 'Salambo, Op. 34a' is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1925. The piece was inspired by Gustave Flaubert's novel 'Salammbô', which tells the story of the Mercenary War in ancient Carthage. The premiere of the piece took place on November 22, 1925, in Berlin, with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the story. The first movement, titled 'The Feast of the Mercenaries', is a lively and energetic depiction of the mercenaries' celebration. The music is characterized by fast-paced rhythms and colorful orchestration, with the use of percussion instruments such as tambourines and cymbals. The second movement, titled 'The Love of Salambo', is a more lyrical and romantic section of the piece. The music is characterized by lush harmonies and soaring melodies, with the use of strings and woodwinds to create a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere. The final movement, titled 'The Destruction of Carthage', is a dramatic and intense depiction of the city's downfall. The music is characterized by dissonant harmonies and powerful rhythms, with the use of brass and percussion instruments to create a sense of chaos and destruction. Overall, 'Salambo, Op. 34a' is a highly expressive and evocative piece of music that captures the essence of Flaubert's novel. Tiessen's use of orchestration and musical motifs effectively conveys the story's themes of love, war, and destruction. The piece remains a significant work in the repertoire of German orchestral music of the early 20th century.

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