Composer

:

Jörg Widmann

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

2015

Publication Date

:

2016

Average_duration

:

28:16

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

"Es war einmal..." is a composition for orchestra by German composer Jörg Widmann. The title translates to "Once upon a time..." and the piece is inspired by the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. It was composed in 2013 and premiered on September 19, 2013, by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Sir Simon Rattle. The piece is divided into five movements, each of which is based on a different fairy tale. The first movement, "Der gestiefelte Kater" (Puss in Boots), is a lively and playful scherzo that features a prominent clarinet solo. The second movement, "Rapunzel," is a slow and atmospheric piece that features a solo cello and harp. The third movement, "Hänsel und Gretel" (Hansel and Gretel), is a dark and ominous scherzo that features a prominent bassoon solo. The fourth movement, "Aschenputtel" (Cinderella), is a fast and virtuosic scherzo that features a prominent violin solo. The final movement, "Dornröschen" (Sleeping Beauty), is a slow and dreamy piece that features a prominent horn solo. Widmann's use of orchestration is particularly noteworthy in "Es war einmal..." He employs a wide range of instrumental colors and textures to evoke the different moods and atmospheres of each fairy tale. The piece also features a number of extended techniques, such as flutter-tonguing and glissandi, which add to the otherworldly and fantastical quality of the music. Overall, "Es war einmal..." is a highly imaginative and evocative work that showcases Widmann's skill as a composer and his ability to create vivid musical narratives.

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