Bohuslav Martinů's oratorio The Epic of Gilgamesh (1955) is unusual and, in a way, unique in all the international literature, as exciting and mysterious as the ancient tale on which it is based. The epic, one of the oldest extant examples of written culture, dates back to the beginning of Babylon, and Martinu devoted a number of years to the study of its philosophical basis before beginning to set to music Thompson's translation of its Neoassyrian version. Martinu's conception and execution are truly ingenious making use of early Baroque forms. Outstanding performances by Prague Symphony Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Jiří Bělohlávek enhance the unrepeatable atmosphere of this masterful work.
MEG
No comments:
Post a Comment