Composer

:

Arne Nordheim

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

5:57

The Hunting of the Snark is a musical composition by Norwegian composer Arne Nordheim. It was composed in 1988 and premiered on October 7, 1988, at the Oslo Opera House. The piece is based on Lewis Carroll's poem of the same name, which tells the story of a group of adventurers who set out to hunt the elusive Snark. The Hunting of the Snark is divided into seven movements, each of which corresponds to a different section of the poem. The first movement, "Fit the First: The Landing," sets the scene for the adventure and introduces the characters. The second movement, "Fit the Second: The Bellman's Speech," features a spoken-word section in which the Bellman explains the rules of the hunt. The third movement, "Fit the Third: The Baker's Tale," tells the story of the Baker and his encounter with a strange creature. The fourth movement, "Fit the Fourth: The Hunting," is a fast-paced and frenetic section that captures the excitement of the hunt. The fifth movement, "Fit the Fifth: The Beaver's Lesson," is a slower and more contemplative section that features a solo cello. The sixth movement, "Fit the Sixth: The Barrister's Dream," is a surreal and dreamlike section that features a spoken-word section in which the Barrister recounts his strange dream. The final movement, "Fit the Seventh: The Banker's Fate," brings the story to a close and features a haunting and melancholy melody. The Hunting of the Snark is characterized by its use of electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as its incorporation of spoken-word sections. Nordheim's use of electronic instruments creates a sense of otherworldliness and adds to the surreal and dreamlike quality of the piece. The spoken-word sections, which are taken directly from Carroll's poem, add a theatrical element to the composition and help to bring the story to life. Overall, The Hunting of the Snark is a unique and innovative musical composition that captures the spirit of Lewis Carroll's poem. Its use of electronic and acoustic instruments, as well as its incorporation of spoken-word sections, make it a truly original work of art.

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