Composer

:

Sergey Rachmaninov

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1891

Average_duration

:

17:20

"Prince Rostislav, TN ii/44" is a symphonic poem composed by Sergey Rachmaninov in 1891. It was premiered on March 1, 1895, in Moscow, conducted by the composer himself. The piece is based on a poem by Aleksey Tolstoy, which tells the story of Prince Rostislav, a legendary hero of ancient Russia. The symphonic poem is divided into four movements, each depicting a different scene from the story. The first movement, "The Prince's Departure," begins with a mournful melody played by the cellos and basses, which represents the prince's departure from his homeland. The music gradually builds in intensity as the prince sets out on his journey. The second movement, "The Princess in the Woods," is a delicate and lyrical piece that depicts the princess's encounter with the prince in the forest. The music is full of longing and tenderness, as the two characters fall in love. The third movement, "The Battle," is the most dramatic and intense of the four. It begins with a martial theme played by the brass and percussion, which represents the clash of armies. The music is full of energy and tension, as the prince fights to defend his kingdom. The final movement, "The Prince's Return," is a triumphant and joyful piece that celebrates the prince's victory and return to his homeland. The music is full of fanfares and exultant melodies, as the prince is welcomed back as a hero. Overall, "Prince Rostislav, TN ii/44" is a powerful and evocative piece of music that showcases Rachmaninov's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its lush orchestration, rich harmonies, and emotional depth, which make it a favorite among both performers and audiences.

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