Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 28, 1874 in Ohio

Death

:

August 27, 1948

Period

:

Romantic

 

 

Contemporary

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Oley Speaks was an American composer and singer who was born on June 28, 1874, in Canal Winchester, Ohio. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. His father, William Speaks, was a well-known music teacher and composer in Ohio, and his mother, Mary Speaks, was a singer. Oley Speaks began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and voice with his father. He later studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. He also studied in Europe, where he was exposed to the works of the great composers of the time. Speaks began his career as a singer, performing in concerts and operas throughout the United States and Europe. He was known for his beautiful tenor voice and his ability to interpret the works of other composers. However, he soon turned his attention to composition, and his works quickly gained recognition. One of Speaks' most famous works is his song cycle, "Four Songs of the Sea." The cycle was composed in 1903 and is based on poems by the English poet, Henry Newbolt. The songs are "Outward Bound," "Devon, O Devon," "Mother Carey," and "Farewell, Nancy." The cycle is known for its beautiful melodies and its evocative portrayal of the sea. Another of Speaks' famous works is his song, "Sylvia." The song was composed in 1909 and is based on a poem by the English poet, John Keats. The song is known for its beautiful melody and its romantic lyrics. Speaks also composed several operas, including "The Maid of the Mist" and "The Lady of Shalott." "The Maid of the Mist" was composed in 1912 and is based on a Native American legend. The opera is known for its beautiful music and its portrayal of the natural beauty of the Niagara Falls region. "The Lady of Shalott" was composed in 1913 and is based on the poem by the English poet, Alfred Lord Tennyson. The opera is known for its beautiful melodies and its romantic storyline. In addition to his compositions, Speaks was also a respected music educator. He taught at several universities, including the University of Southern California and the University of Michigan. He also served as the director of the music department at the University of Montana. Speaks died on January 3, 1948, in New York City. He was 73 years old. His legacy lives on through his beautiful compositions, which continue to be performed and enjoyed by music lovers around the world.

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