Symphony II (Rimsky-Korsakov)

From Wind Repertory Project
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (tr. Gabe Southard)


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Subtitle: Antar

This work bears the designation Opus 9.


General Info

Year: 1868 / 2015
Duration: c. 27:10
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Original Medium: Orchestra
Publisher: oHM Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $250.00   |   Score Only (print) - $75.00


Movements

1. Antar in the Desert – 12:10
2. The Pleasure of Vengeance – 5:00
3. The Pleasure of Power
4. The Pleasure of Love


Instrumentation

Full Score
C Piccolo (doubles Alto Flute)
Flute I-II-III
Oboe I-II (II doubles English Horn)
Bassoon I-II
B-flat Soprano Clarinet Solo-I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Harp
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III-IV, including:

(percussion detail desired)


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

The story of Antar has its origin in an Arabian tale by Sennkowsky. According to the composer’s program, Antar is a desert recluse, and has sworn hatred against all human beings. One day, a beautiful gazelle appears before him and, as he is about to pursue the creature, he descries a monstrous bird threatening it. He turns his weapon against the bird, which flies away with piercing cries. Antar then falls asleep and finds himself transported to the palace of the Queen of Palmyra, the fairy Gul-Nazar, who is none other than the gazelle. Grateful for her rescue, she promises him the three greatest enjoyments of life – vengeance, power, and love. He awakens in the desert, but is transported anew to the palace. After a long period of happiness, the fairy perceives that Antar wearies of her. She embraces him, the fire of her passion consumes his heart, and he dies in her arms.

The symphony is in four movements which have been thus characterized by César Cui, the Russian composer, to whom it is dedicated:

First part: Antar is in the desert – he saves a gazelle from a beast of prey. The gazelle is a fay, who rewards her deliverer by granting him three pleasures. The whole of this part, which begins and ends with a picture of the desolate and boundless desert, is worthy of the composer’s magic brush.

Second part: The Pleasure of Vengeance – a rugged, savage, unbridled allegro, with crescendos like the letting loose of furious winds.

Third part: The Pleasure of Power – an Oriental march. A masterpiece of the finest and most brilliant interpretation.

Last part: The Pleasure of Love, amid which Antar expires – a delicate, poetic, delicious andante.

This arrangement is dedicated to Professor James Smith, at the University of Wisconsin- Madison for his teaching, musicality, and friendship.

- Program Note compiled by Gabe Southard


Media

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State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer


Resources

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