THE SPHINX

Half lion and half man, the Sphinx of Giza is the largest limestone statue ever built in the world. Surrounded by an enigmatic halo, the Sphinx is the symbol of Egypt, but also of mystery itself. Archeologists maintain that it was built in approximately 2500 BC for the pharaoh Khafra. The statue is 20 meters (66 feet) high and its body is elongated, with legs outstretched and a royal headdress. It was carved in a natural rock outcrop on the basis of which various blocks of stone were added during the many renovations starting from the XVIII dynasty. This composition by Federico Agnello describes the Sphinx in all its aspects. A mysterious atmosphere opens the first part and introduces a typically Egyptian dance built on the major Arab scale. To follow, a slow section portrays the desert sweeps surrounding the Sphinx as well as a glimpse of the majesty of the nearby pyramids. Successively, the mysterious halo comes back and there is a reprise of the initial dance. This is a composition with an exotic and evocative flavor.