Composer

:

Karl Goldmark

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

21:13

Penthesilea, Op. 31 is a symphonic poem composed by Karl Goldmark in 1879. It premiered on November 23, 1879, in Vienna, conducted by Hans Richter. The piece is based on the Greek myth of Penthesilea, the queen of the Amazons who falls in love with Achilles during the Trojan War and ultimately kills him in battle. The symphonic poem is divided into three movements. The first movement, "Penthesilea's Love," is a slow and lyrical introduction that sets the scene for the tragic love story. The second movement, "The Battle," is a fast and intense depiction of the battle between Penthesilea and Achilles. The final movement, "Penthesilea's Death," is a mournful and somber conclusion to the piece. Goldmark's use of orchestration is particularly noteworthy in Penthesilea. He employs a large orchestra, including a full brass section, to create a dramatic and powerful sound. The use of percussion, particularly the timpani, adds to the intensity of the battle scenes. The piece also features a prominent solo violin, which represents Penthesilea's love for Achilles. Overall, Penthesilea, Op. 31 is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Goldmark's skill as a composer. The piece is a testament to the enduring appeal of Greek mythology and the tragic love stories that have captivated audiences for centuries.

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