- Written in 1865, Goldmark’s concert overture, Sakuntala, is based on a minor story from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. Goldmark was likely introduced to the story of Sakuntala (also spelled Shakuntala) through the dramatization of the epic by Kalidasa from the 4th Century CE.
- Goldmark’s overture closely follows the programme of Kalidasa’s play, which was included in the first edition of the score.1
- The work premiered in late December 1865 with the Vienna Philharmonic and was an immense success. The piece significantly helped launch the composer’s international fame.2
Learn more about the Mahabharata
Sources
- István Kecskeméti, Notes in accompanying booklet, Goldmark: Overtures performed by the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by András Kórodi, Hungaroton 12552-2, 2014, compact disc.
- Wilhelm Pfannkuch and Gerhard J. Winkler, “Goldmark, Karl,” Grove Music Online (2001), accessed January 20, 2021, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000011384.
Cut IDs
43487