Composer

:

John Pickard

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1990

Average_duration

:

11:23

The Flight of Icarus is a contemporary classical composition by British composer John Pickard. It was composed in 1999 and premiered on March 16, 2000, by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Grant Llewellyn. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 25 minutes. The first movement, titled "The Sun and the Sea," begins with a slow and ominous introduction, featuring low brass and percussion. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the addition of strings and woodwinds, before reaching a climactic point. The second section of the movement is more lyrical, with a soaring melody played by the strings. The movement ends with a return to the ominous opening material. The second movement, "The Flight," is the most energetic and virtuosic of the three. It features fast and intricate rhythms, with the orchestra often playing in unison. The music is meant to evoke the feeling of flight, with the use of ascending and descending scales and arpeggios. The movement ends with a sudden stop, as if Icarus has reached the height of his flight. The final movement, "The Fall," is the most somber and reflective of the three. It begins with a mournful melody played by the strings, which is then taken up by the woodwinds. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the addition of brass and percussion, before reaching a climactic point. The movement ends with a return to the mournful opening material, as Icarus falls to his death. Overall, The Flight of Icarus is a powerful and evocative work, which showcases Pickard's skill as a composer. The use of orchestration and musical motifs effectively conveys the story of Icarus, from his flight to his tragic fall. The piece has been well-received by audiences and critics alike, and is considered to be one of Pickard's most successful works.

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