Composer

:

Max von Schillings

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1900

Average_duration

:

12:39

Symphonic Prologue to King Oedipus, Op. 11 is a composition by German composer Max von Schillings. It was composed in 1909 and premiered on November 18, 1909, in Berlin. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, titled "Thebes," begins with a slow and ominous introduction, featuring low strings and brass. The music gradually builds in intensity, with the addition of woodwinds and percussion, until it reaches a powerful climax. This section represents the city of Thebes, where the story of Oedipus takes place. The second movement, titled "Oedipus," is more introspective and features a solo violin playing a mournful melody. This section represents the tragic hero Oedipus, who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother. The final movement, titled "The Sphinx," is the most energetic and features a lively and rhythmic theme played by the brass and percussion. This section represents the mythical creature, the Sphinx, who poses a riddle to Oedipus that he must solve in order to save the city of Thebes. Overall, the Symphonic Prologue to King Oedipus, Op. 11 is a powerful and dramatic work that captures the essence of the tragic story of Oedipus. Schillings' use of orchestration and thematic development creates a vivid musical portrayal of the characters and events in the story.

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