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To listen to a complete general midi version click here:
Castor and Pollux Suite
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5055 - Castor and Pollux Jean-Phillipe Rameau arranged for brass quintet by Roger Harvey Difficulty: Medium/Difficult Price: £30.00 Programme note: Rameau's opera Castor and Pollux was written in 1737 and is considered one of his masterpieces and a landmark in French Baroque opera. The libretto, written by Pierre-Joseph-Justin Bernard, is based on the classical myth of Castor and Pollux, the twin brothers from Greek mythology. It tells the story of Castor and Pollux, sons of Zeus, who are both in love with the same woman, Télaïre. Castor is mortal, while Pollux is immortal, and their love for Télaïre becomes a source of conflict. When Castor is killed in battle, Pollux makes a pact with the gods to give up his immortality so that his brother can return to life. The opera explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the clash between earthly love and divine intervention. The ballet music in "Castor and Pollux" is particularly noteworthy, reflecting Rameau's reputation as a leading composer of dance music during the Baroque era. This suite includes some of these dances along with Télaïre's elegiac aria, Tristes apprêts. |
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