Russian Easter Festival Overture

The concert overture Russian Easter ( праздник Светлый, Svetly prasdnik ) Opus 36 by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky -Korsakov from the period August 1887 to April 1888 to the memory of Modest Mussorgsky and Alexander Borodin is dedicated to two members of the legendary group of five. It is subtitled Overture on themes of Russian Easter liturgy and forms the end point of a series of three outstanding orchestral works after Capriccio espagnol and the symphonic poem Scheherazade. The work was first performed in St. Petersburg in late December, 1888.

Occupation

Material and programmatic

The melodies of the overture originate in the main of the Russian Orthodox liturgy. Your themes are based on the Obichod, a collection of old Russian Orthodox hymns. Rimsky- Korsakov completed the score with several quotations from the Bible, such as Psalm 68 and Chapter 16 of the Gospel according to Mark to illustrate its intentions to the listener.

As the composer explains in his autobiography, he endeavored to of legends embossed pagan aspect of the Christian wedding venue, as well as the transition from the solemnity and the Mystery of the Easter Vigil to the unbridled pagan celebrations of Easter Sunday to express.

Structure

The opening bears the tempo marking Andante lugubre ( " dark border " ) and switch between two themes. The first theme ( God is on, so his enemies be scattered ) will be carried forward with great seriousness by the woodwind. The second theme is the chorale but an angel spoke. It is played by a cadenza for solo violin for the first time by the cello solo. Following the trumpets and strings take the first theme in the manner of a change song again.

The following Allegro part, initiated by a second violin cadenza, contains a very lively, syncopated theme that the chorale that hate him flee before him quotes and rises to elation. Besides enters a quiet melody in appearance, which is on a very well-known in Russia Easter song named Christ relies purchased.

All topics and hymns appear at the climax again, and merge with fanfare and ringing bells to a triumphant coda.

A special feature of the work form the short violin cadenza between sections. They should symbolize the light that penetrates in the resurrection of Christ from the Holy grave.

Swell

• Symphonic Poem
• Works of Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov