Composer

:

Karol Szymanowski

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1923 - 1931

Average_duration

:

33:20

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

Harnasie, Op. 55 is a ballet composed by Karol Szymanowski in 1923-1931. The ballet is based on a folk tale from the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland. The plot revolves around a group of mountain shepherds who are visited by a band of gypsies. The shepherds are initially wary of the gypsies, but they soon become enamored with their music and dancing. The leader of the gypsies, known as the Harnas, tries to seduce the shepherdess, but she resists his advances. In the end, the shepherds and gypsies come together in a joyous celebration. The ballet premiered in Warsaw in 1935, with choreography by Feliks Parnell. The music is characterized by Szymanowski's use of folk melodies and rhythms, combined with his own unique harmonic language. The score features a large orchestra, including a prominent role for the piano. The ballet is divided into four movements. The first movement, "Introduction and Shepherd's Dance," sets the scene with a pastoral melody played by the woodwinds. The second movement, "Dance of the Gypsies," features a lively and exotic melody played by the strings and percussion. The third movement, "Dance of the Harnasie," is a virtuosic solo for the piano, accompanied by the orchestra. The final movement, "Wedding Celebration," brings the shepherds and gypsies together in a joyous dance. Harnasie is notable for its use of Polish folk music, which was a departure from Szymanowski's earlier works that were heavily influenced by French impressionism. The ballet also reflects Szymanowski's interest in the exotic and the primitive, which was a common theme in early 20th-century art. Overall, Harnasie is a vibrant and colorful work that showcases Szymanowski's unique musical voice.

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