Diogenes
Summary
This concert work, inspired by the Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope, is composed of three movements that depict key aspects of his life and philosophy. The first movement portrays Diogenes’ famous encounter with Alexander the Great, highlighting the philosopher’s wit and self-possession. The second movement reflects on Diogenes’ death and his enduring philosophical legacy, while the final movement is inspired by the legend of Diogenes searching for an honest man in Athens by daylight with a lamp.
About Diogenes
The inspiration and title of this concert work is derived from the Greek philosopher, Diogenes of Sinope, who lived around 400 BC in Greece. Diogenes is generally considered the founder of the ‘Cynic school of thought’, an ancient school of philosophy.
Jacob de Haan worked the two main themes of this composition into three interlocking movements that each tell a story or aspect of Diogenes’ life.
In the first part it is Diogenes meeting with Alexander the Great. Alexander opened the conversation with: I am Alexander the Great. Then Diogenes said: And I am Diogenes the Cynic. Alexander then asked him in what way he could serve him. You can step out of my sunlight, the philosopher replied. Alexander is said to have been so struck with the Cynic’s self-possession that he went away remarking: If I were not Alexander, I should wish to be Diogenes.
According to tradition, Diogenes died at Corinth on the same day as Alexander the Great (323 B.C.). The death of Diogenes and the philosophies which he left behind inspired the middle movement. The inspiration for the last movement came from the best legend surrounding Diogenes. According to this popular story, Diogenes walked through Athens in broad daylight carrying a lighting lamp, saying that he was looking for an honest man.