Julius Benedict was born in Germany and had a much travelled early career beginning with a thorough grounding in music from his studies with Hummel and Weber. He also met Beethoven. In 1835, after working in Naples he moved to London, where he settled for the remainder of his life, eventually taking British nationality and receiving a knighthood in 1871.
Once established in London he composed opera and conducted in various London theatres and for the Liverpool Philharmonic. Benedict returned from a US tour in August 1851 a wealthy man and took his family on a holiday in Europe the following month. Unfortunately, in the October, his son was killed in an accident on the river Rhone. His wife never recovered from the shock and died in April the next year, followed by his father in the July. For a time he ceased much of his public activities, other than teaching.
Gradually his career picked up its old pace and he composed the two piano concertos and, in 1862, he produced his most popular opera, The Lily of Killarney. His only symphony was composed in 1873. Sadly a series of unwise financial investments dogged his later life and these lost him a considerable sum of money.
"The Tempest" is a play about Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who uses magic to conjure a storm that shipwrecks his enemies on a remote island. He seeks revenge for being overthrown, but ultimately chooses forgiveness and reconciliation. The play explores themes of power, betrayal, love, and forgiveness, set against a backdrop of magic and colonialism.
Overture to 'The Tempest' - 1856.
The story begins on a deserted island - muted strings and harp express the desolation.
This leads into music for Ariel, the spirit who helps Prospero conjure a tempest bringing his enemies to the island.
The storm builds in force. The wind swirls - a rising chromatic phrase in the upper strings and woodwind.
Prospero relinquishes his magic but Benedict ends the music in the home key of G minor in an extended coda.