We have a collection of 2 arrangements for Elmer Bernstein - The Ten Commandments - Prelude
How did Elmer Bernstein's score for "The Ten Commandments" reflect the epic scale of Cecil B. DeMille's film? Learn!
"Ten Duel Commandments" is a song from the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton," which was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and premiered in 2015. Here are some interesting facts about this particular song:
Dueling was a real issue: The song "Ten Duel Commandments" is based on the historical practice of dueling, which was prevalent in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Alexander Hamilton, the central character of the musical, was involved in several duels during his lifetime, including the famous duel with Aaron Burr that ultimately led to his death.
The song's inspiration: "Ten Duel Commandments" draws inspiration from the song "The Ten Crack Commandments" by The Notorious B.I.G. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of "Hamilton," has mentioned that he used this hip-hop song as a template for crafting the structure and rhythm of the song.
Dueling rules: The song outlines the ten rules that governed duels in the 18th century. These rules were established to provide a sense of honor and fairness to the practice, although dueling was still a dangerous and often deadly affair.
Historical accuracy: The lyrics of "Ten Duel Commandments" strive for historical accuracy, with references to actual duels and the rules that governed them during Hamilton's time.
Unique staging: In the original Broadway production of "Hamilton," the staging of this song is particularly striking. The actors move in a stylized manner, mimicking the act of dueling, and the choreography enhances the tension and drama of the scene.
Parallel to the plot: The song serves as a crucial plot point in the musical, foreshadowing the fatal duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. It also highlights the differences in their personalities and approaches to conflict resolution.
The Burr-Hamilton duel: The Burr-Hamilton duel, which is not depicted in the song but is a significant event in the musical's narrative, took place on July 11, 1804, in Weehawken, New Jersey. Alexander Hamilton was fatally shot by Aaron Burr and died the following day, making this one of the most infamous duels in American history.
Duels as a theme: Dueling is a recurring theme throughout the "Hamilton" musical, reflecting the conflicts and confrontations that Hamilton and other characters face in their personal and political lives.
"Ten Duel Commandments" is a pivotal and memorable song in "Hamilton" that captures the intensity and high stakes of the era in which the musical is set, while also showcasing Lin-Manuel Miranda's clever songwriting and storytelling techniques.