description Belshazzar's Feast Overview
William Walton's Belshazzar's Feast turns the biblical fall of Babylon into a concentrated twentieth-century choral drama. Its text draws on the Book of Daniel and other biblical passages, contrasting the Israelites' captivity with the king's extravagant banquet. The warning appears as writing on a wall, announcing judgment before Belshazzar's death and the release of the captive people. A baritone soloist, chorus and large orchestra carry a narrative marked by sharp contrasts between lament and celebration.
Brass-heavy passages and driving rhythms give the feast and its aftermath a forceful physical character. The chorus is central to the story, speaking as a community whose circumstances change abruptly. The work suits well-prepared choirs and orchestras able to handle its rhythmic demands, and appeals to listeners interested in British sacred concert music with a direct dramatic impact.
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What is the story depicted in Walton's *Belshazzar's Feast*?
The oratorio depicts the final, opulent banquet of King Belshazzar as described in the Book of Daniel. During the feast, a mysterious hand of God appears and writes a scroll revealing the arrogant king's impending doom.
Who composed the 20th-century oratorio *Belshazzar's Feast*?
The work was composed by the English composer William Walton. It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful and challenging choral works of the 20th century.
What makes the musical style of *Belshazzar's Feast* so notable?
The oratorio is notable for its incredibly powerful orchestration and highly dramatic narrative structure. It requires a massive symphony orchestra and a massive double chorus to properly convey its overwhelming, cinematic musical peaks.
Is *Belshazzar's Feast* based on a religious text?
Yes, the work is an oratorio based strictly on the biblical story of King Belshazzar found in the Book of Daniel. It dramatically translates the ancient religious text into a sweeping, secular concert experience.
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