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BLISS: Checkmate / Melee Fantasque
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Sir Arthur Bliss, Master of the Queen’s Music from 1953, was one of the leading British composers of his generation. The sparkling Mêlée Fantasque (1921), which the composer considered to be his first ballet score, shows the influence of Stravinsky and Dyagilev’s Ballets Russes. Checkmate (1937), a collaboration with the great choreographer, Ninette de Valois, is a masterpiece of English ballet, full of striking ideas and colourful effects. This disc offers a rare opportunity to hear the complete ballet, which remains in the repertoire to this day.
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Bliss, Arthur

Melee Fantasque
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Melee Fantasque
00:12:00
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Checkmate
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I. Prologue - The Players: Moderato maestoso
00:05:45
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3.
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II. Dance of the Red Pawns: Allegro spirito scherzando
00:02:25
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4.
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III. Dance of the Four Knights: Allegro moderato sempre robustamente
00:03:49
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5.
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IV. Entry of the Black Queen: L’istesso tempo
00:05:31
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6.
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V. The Red Knight’s Mazurka: Moderato giojosamente
00:03:37
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7.
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VI. Ceremony of the Red Bishops: Largamente (misticamente)
00:02:12
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8.
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VII. Entry of the Red Castles: Allegro molto deciso
00:02:24
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9.
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VIII. Entry of the Red King and Queen: Grave
00:01:45
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10.
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XI. The Attack: Allegro impetuoso e brillante
00:07:03
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11.
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X. The Duel: Maestoso moderato e molto appassionato
00:08:26
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12.
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X. The Black Queen Dances: Allegro dispettoso
00:03:42
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13.
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XII. Finale - Checkmate: Andante poco sostenuto - Allegro vivace e feroce
00:06:19
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Total Playing Time:
01:04:58
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