Piano Sonata #30 in D minor - Egyptian Scenes
Listen to Piano Sonata #30 in D minor - Egyptian Scenes
The "Sonata #30 in D minor" by James Domine is given in two tableaux, and is intended to depict an imaginary ancient Egyptian religious observance. The first movement entitled "The Oracular Serpent" is an exotic Arabian dance with a distinctly Middle-Eastern flavor. This serves as an introductory prelude to the rhythmic and energetic "Bacchanal" that follows in the second movement. Although the piece was not conceived along the lines of any specific narrative program, it does embody the musical characteristics of an ancient scene and the colors of antiquity ubiquitously permeate the atmosphere from beginning to end.
"After the Priests, with many careful deliberations and ceremonious preparatory ritual observances ignited the coals at the center of the temple sanctuary, a great snake appeared before the fire, coiling threateningly, and rearing up with a fearful hiss, spoke to the Heirophant in a sacred language known only to those at the highest level of initiation, asking the question at the heart of these venerable mysteries: “Who among you dares to answer the riddle of the oracular serpent?” As soon as the High Priest uttered the correct ancient formula in secret words audible only to the snake, did the flames of the pyre roar into a towering conflagration, and the serpent disappeared into fire to the sound of drums pounding an inexorable rhythm. Only then did the dancers appear arrayed in ceremonial robes and vestments each in accord with their rank. All join in a great Bacchanal in honor of the Sky Goddess to celebrate the preservation of order in the universe."
Listen to Piano Sonata #30 in D minor - Egyptian Scenes
The "Sonata #30 in D minor" by James Domine is given in two tableaux, and is intended to depict an imaginary ancient Egyptian religious observance. The first movement entitled "The Oracular Serpent" is an exotic Arabian dance with a distinctly Middle-Eastern flavor. This serves as an introductory prelude to the rhythmic and energetic "Bacchanal" that follows in the second movement. Although the piece was not conceived along the lines of any specific narrative program, it does embody the musical characteristics of an ancient scene and the colors of antiquity ubiquitously permeate the atmosphere from beginning to end.
"After the Priests, with many careful deliberations and ceremonious preparatory ritual observances ignited the coals at the center of the temple sanctuary, a great snake appeared before the fire, coiling threateningly, and rearing up with a fearful hiss, spoke to the Heirophant in a sacred language known only to those at the highest level of initiation, asking the question at the heart of these venerable mysteries: “Who among you dares to answer the riddle of the oracular serpent?” As soon as the High Priest uttered the correct ancient formula in secret words audible only to the snake, did the flames of the pyre roar into a towering conflagration, and the serpent disappeared into fire to the sound of drums pounding an inexorable rhythm. Only then did the dancers appear arrayed in ceremonial robes and vestments each in accord with their rank. All join in a great Bacchanal in honor of the Sky Goddess to celebrate the preservation of order in the universe."
Listen to Piano Sonata #30 in D minor - Egyptian Scenes
The "Sonata #30 in D minor" by James Domine is given in two tableaux, and is intended to depict an imaginary ancient Egyptian religious observance. The first movement entitled "The Oracular Serpent" is an exotic Arabian dance with a distinctly Middle-Eastern flavor. This serves as an introductory prelude to the rhythmic and energetic "Bacchanal" that follows in the second movement. Although the piece was not conceived along the lines of any specific narrative program, it does embody the musical characteristics of an ancient scene and the colors of antiquity ubiquitously permeate the atmosphere from beginning to end.
"After the Priests, with many careful deliberations and ceremonious preparatory ritual observances ignited the coals at the center of the temple sanctuary, a great snake appeared before the fire, coiling threateningly, and rearing up with a fearful hiss, spoke to the Heirophant in a sacred language known only to those at the highest level of initiation, asking the question at the heart of these venerable mysteries: “Who among you dares to answer the riddle of the oracular serpent?” As soon as the High Priest uttered the correct ancient formula in secret words audible only to the snake, did the flames of the pyre roar into a towering conflagration, and the serpent disappeared into fire to the sound of drums pounding an inexorable rhythm. Only then did the dancers appear arrayed in ceremonial robes and vestments each in accord with their rank. All join in a great Bacchanal in honor of the Sky Goddess to celebrate the preservation of order in the universe."