Composer

:

Antonin Dvorák

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

Jan 6, 1896 - Feb 11, 1896

Publication Date

:

1896

First Performance

:

Jun 3, 1896

Average_duration

:

20:42

Antonin Dvorák's "The Water Goblin, B. 195, Op. 107" is a symphonic poem that was composed in 1896. It premiered on March 4, 1896, in Prague, conducted by the composer himself. The piece is based on a Czech folktale about a water goblin who kidnaps a young woman and takes her to his underwater kingdom. The piece is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the story. The first movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," introduces the main theme of the piece, which is played by the cellos and basses. This theme represents the water goblin and is characterized by its dark, brooding quality. The movement also features a lively, dance-like section that represents the young woman's initial joy at being taken by the goblin. The second movement, marked "Andante," is a slower, more lyrical section that represents the young woman's growing fear and sadness as she realizes that she is trapped in the water goblin's kingdom. The movement features a haunting melody played by the English horn, which represents the young woman's voice. The third movement, marked "Allegro moderato," is a more upbeat section that represents the water goblin's attempts to seduce the young woman. The movement features a playful, almost flirtatious melody played by the violins, which represents the goblin's charm. The final movement, marked "Allegro ma non troppo," is a dramatic section that represents the young woman's escape from the water goblin's kingdom. The movement features a triumphant melody played by the brass section, which represents the young woman's victory over the goblin. Overall, "The Water Goblin" is a powerful and evocative piece of music that showcases Dvorák's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its use of folk melodies and its vivid depiction of the story's characters and events.

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