Composer

:

Mily Balakirev

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1867 - 1882

Publication Date

:

1884

Average_duration

:

21:55

Tamara is a symphonic poem composed by Mily Balakirev in 1867. It premiered on December 7, 1882, in St. Petersburg, Russia. The piece is inspired by a poem of the same name by Mikhail Lermontov, which tells the story of a Georgian queen who lures men to their death with her beauty. The symphonic poem is divided into three movements. The first movement, marked Allegro, begins with a haunting melody played by the strings. This melody represents Tamara's beauty and allure. The music builds in intensity as the brass and percussion join in, representing the danger that lies beneath Tamara's beauty. The movement ends with a sudden, violent outburst, representing the moment when Tamara's victims realize their fate. The second movement, marked Andante, is a lyrical interlude. The music is peaceful and serene, representing the calm before the storm. This movement features a solo violin, which represents Tamara's voice. The violin plays a beautiful melody that is both seductive and mournful. The third movement, marked Allegro con fuoco, is the most dramatic of the three. It begins with a frenzied dance, representing Tamara's victims being drawn into her trap. The music becomes increasingly intense as the brass and percussion join in, representing the chaos and violence that ensues. The movement ends with a sudden, violent outburst, representing the moment when Tamara's victims meet their demise. Overall, Tamara is a powerful and evocative piece of music. Balakirev's use of melody, harmony, and orchestration effectively captures the mood and atmosphere of Lermontov's poem. The piece is a testament to Balakirev's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and terrifying.

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