Arthur Bliss: Checkmate (1937)

Arthur Bliss (1891-1975): Checkmate, Ballet in one Scene with a Prologue (1937). Cover image: painting by Luigi de Gennaro - “Scacco matto alla signora“ (1988). I. Prologue. The Players: Moderato maestoso II. Dance of the red Pawns:Allegro con spirito, scherzando [05:26] III. Dance of the Four Knights: Allegro moderato sempre robustamente [07:52] IV. Entry of the Black Queen: L’istesso tempo [11:42] V. The Red Knight’s Mazurka: Moderato giojosamente [17:13] VI. Ceremony of the Red Bishops: Largamente (misticamente) [20:51] VII. Entry of the Red Castles: Allegro molto deciso [23:03] VIII. Entry of the Red King and Queen: Grave [25:27] IX. The Attack: Allegro impetuoso e brillante [27:14] X. The Duel: Maestoso moderato e molto appassionato [34:17] XI. The Black Queen dances: Allegretto dispettoso [42:43] XII. Finale. Checkmate: Andante poco sostenuto - Allegro vivace e feroce [46:26] Royal Scottish National Orchestra diretta da David Lloyd-Jone