Don Juan and the Fifty Shades of Grey

Don Juan is a fictional libertine who spent his life seducing women. He is also known as Don Giovanni, which is the Italian variant of the Spanish “Juan”. There are several variations on the theme, but it is always about Don Juan’s womanizing. The fairy tale originates from Renaissance Spain. This novel has only one connection with the modern-day tale of “The Fifty Shades of Grey”: the morbid search for fulfillment in love. “Don Juan” is an epic poem that describes the adventures of the fictional character Don Juan, who is portrayed as a womanizer and seducer. The work is not only about sexual encounters, but also about themes such as power, corruption and morality.

Don Juan, a tone poem for orchestra by German composer Richard Strauss, was premiered on November 11, 1889. It is one of Strauss’s earliest tone poems and is about the legendary Spanish libertine Don Juan, who by this time was already appearing in works by Mozart and other composers. For his tone poem, Strauss drew on a version of the Don Juan story published posthumously in 1851. Strauss’ portrayal focuses on someone who seeks but never finds his idealized idea of love. The work proceeds through a series of climaxes and disappointments, ending with the death of the protagonist in a duel. A single sentence based on the comprehensive narrative of Don Juan’s life and death.

But this story is not the only one included in the new publications of the Belgian publishing house HaFaBra. With“Nitescence crépusculaire“, you enter the imaginary and fantastic world of Alexandre Kosmicki: the title itself refers to two words that have an almost opposite meaning. “Nitescence” is used in French to describe something clear and bright. It could be the opposite of “crépusculaire” (twilight). The music relates to this ambiguity and evolves around two main themes. Suitable for highest level orchestra only.

And since we were in Spain above,“Warrior” by Rossano Galante tells the story of a young Spanish warrior who goes into battle. The opening theme is performed by the solo trumpet. It is a theme of loneliness, separation from his family, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. As the play continues, the warrior sets out on his journey. It is a faster, more elaborated version of the opening theme. The middle section of the play focuses on the man’s nobility and bravery. A quiet, simple theme gradually rises to epic grandeur. The full chordal brass is accompanied by woodwinds and a solo trumpet ostinato. The play intensifies as the warrior continues his quest for victory. After the victorious battle, when the warrior begins his quiet journey home, the opening theme is recapitulated to convey a sense of the warrior’s exhaustion. The play culminates in a joyous and epic conclusion when the warrior is reunited with his family.

Get acquainted with all new works of the publishing house HaFaBra.

The entire content of the catalog“HAFABRA 2022-2023: Scan and find your Music” can be found at the link provided.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top