Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1873

Average_duration

:

9:02

Phaéton in C major, Op. 39 is a symphonic poem composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1873. It premiered on January 1, 1874, at the Salle Pleyel in Paris, conducted by Édouard Colonne. The piece is divided into three movements, each depicting a different aspect of the Greek myth of Phaéton, the son of the sun god Helios. The first movement, "Le lever de Phaéton" (Phaéton's Rise), begins with a slow, mysterious introduction that gradually builds to a triumphant theme representing Phaéton's ascent to the heavens. The music then becomes more frenzied and chaotic, depicting Phaéton's struggle to control the chariot of the sun. The second movement, "La chute de Phaéton" (Phaéton's Fall), is a dramatic and intense depiction of Phaéton's descent back to earth. The music is full of sudden shifts in tempo and dynamics, reflecting the tumultuous nature of Phaéton's journey. The movement ends with a powerful crash, representing Phaéton's fatal crash to earth. The final movement, "La mort de Phaéton" (Phaéton's Death), is a mournful and somber reflection on the tragic end of Phaéton's life. The music is slow and melancholy, with a sense of resignation and acceptance of Phaéton's fate. Overall, Phaéton in C major, Op. 39 is a masterful example of Saint-Saëns' skill as a composer of programmatic music. The piece is full of vivid imagery and emotional depth, and its three movements work together to create a powerful and cohesive narrative.

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