Composer

:

Bruce Adolphe

Genre

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Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

10:34

'Night Journey' is a contemporary classical composition by Bruce Adolphe, an American composer and educator. The piece was composed in 1998 and premiered on March 14, 1999, by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in New York City. 'Night Journey' is a three-movement work for string quartet and soprano, based on the Greek myth of Oedipus and his mother Jocasta. The first movement, titled "Oedipus Rex," is a dramatic and intense portrayal of Oedipus' discovery of his true identity. The second movement, "Jocasta's Lament," is a mournful and reflective aria sung by the soprano, expressing Jocasta's grief and guilt. The final movement, "The Sphinx," is a lively and rhythmic dance, representing the mythical creature that Oedipus defeated to become king. The characteristics of 'Night Journey' are its use of tonality and dissonance, as well as its incorporation of vocal and instrumental elements. Adolphe's use of tonality creates a sense of tension and drama, while the dissonance adds a modern and experimental edge to the piece. The soprano's vocal line adds a human element to the mythological story, while the string quartet provides a rich and varied accompaniment. Overall, 'Night Journey' is a powerful and evocative work that explores the timeless themes of fate, identity, and tragedy. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a staple of the contemporary classical repertoire.

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