Composer

:

Malcolm Arnold

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1954

Average_duration

:

21:32

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

Rinaldo and Armida is a ballet composed by Malcolm Arnold in 1964. The plot is based on the story of Rinaldo and Armida from Torquato Tasso's epic poem "Jerusalem Delivered". The ballet tells the story of the Christian knight Rinaldo, who falls in love with the sorceress Armida, who is sent by the Muslim king to distract Rinaldo from the battle. The ballet is divided into three movements. The first movement, "The Battle", depicts the conflict between the Christians and the Muslims. The second movement, "The Garden of Armida", takes place in a magical garden where Armida tries to seduce Rinaldo. The third movement, "The Triumph of the Cross", shows Rinaldo's victory over Armida and his return to the Christian army. The music of Rinaldo and Armida is characterized by Arnold's use of traditional orchestration and his incorporation of modern elements such as jazz and rock music. The score features a variety of instruments including saxophones, electric guitar, and percussion. The ballet premiered on July 1, 1964, at the Royal Opera House in London, with choreography by John Cranko. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Arnold's score and Cranko's choreography. Overall, Rinaldo and Armida is a captivating ballet that tells a timeless story of love and war. Arnold's innovative score and Cranko's choreography make for a truly unforgettable experience.

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