Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1937

Publication Date

:

1938

Average_duration

:

3:01

Bohuslav Martinu's 'Le train hanté, H. 258' is a one-act opera composed in 1931. It premiered on June 17, 1931, at the Prague National Theatre. The opera is based on a libretto by the composer himself, which is a surrealistic tale of a haunted train journey. The opera consists of three movements, each depicting a different scene of the journey. The first movement, 'The Departure,' sets the scene for the journey, with the passengers boarding the train and the train departing from the station. The music is lively and energetic, with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The second movement, 'The Journey,' is the longest and most complex of the three. It depicts the strange and surreal events that take place on the train, as the passengers are haunted by ghosts and other supernatural beings. The music is eerie and unsettling, with dissonant harmonies and unusual instrumental effects. The final movement, 'The Arrival,' brings the journey to a close, as the train arrives at its destination and the passengers disembark. The music is more subdued than in the previous movements, with a sense of relief and resolution. Overall, 'Le train hanté' is a highly original and imaginative work, showcasing Martinu's unique musical style and his interest in surrealism and the supernatural. The opera is notable for its use of unusual instrumental effects, such as the use of a siren to represent the train whistle, and its complex and intricate orchestration. It remains a popular work in the repertoire of modern opera, and a testament to Martinu's creative genius.

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