Composer

:

Peter Maxwell Davies

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Compose Date

:

1991

Average_duration

:

32:21

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Peter Maxwell Davies' "Caroline Mathilde: Concert Suite from Act II of the Ballet, J. 249" is a composition that premiered in 1991. The suite is based on the second act of the ballet "Caroline Mathilde," which was commissioned by the Royal Danish Ballet in 1990. The ballet tells the story of Caroline Mathilde, the Queen of Denmark, and her affair with Johann Friedrich Struensee, the royal physician. The concert suite consists of five movements, each of which captures a different aspect of the story. The first movement, "Introduction and Royal March," sets the scene with a regal march that introduces the characters and the setting. The second movement, "Caroline and Struensee," is a duet that expresses the passion and intensity of their forbidden love. The third movement, "The Queen's Lament," is a solo for Caroline that expresses her sadness and longing. The fourth movement, "The King's March," is a march that represents the power and authority of the king. The final movement, "Finale and Epilogue," brings the story to a close with a triumphant finale and a reflective epilogue. The characteristics of the suite are reflective of Maxwell Davies' unique style, which blends elements of modernism and traditionalism. The suite features a wide range of textures and timbres, with the use of percussion and brass instruments adding to the dramatic effect. The melodies are often angular and dissonant, reflecting the tension and conflict in the story. However, there are also moments of lyricism and beauty, particularly in the duet between Caroline and Struensee. Overall, "Caroline Mathilde: Concert Suite from Act II of the Ballet, J. 249" is a powerful and evocative composition that captures the drama and emotion of the story. It is a testament to Maxwell Davies' skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both challenging and accessible.

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