Composer

:

Robert Beaser

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1985

First Performance

:

1985

Average_duration

:

28:49

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Mountain Songs is a composition for voice and guitar, composed by Robert Beaser in 1984. The piece was premiered on October 25, 1984, at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. The work consists of eight movements, each based on a traditional American folk song from the Appalachian Mountains. The first movement, "Barbara Allen," is a slow and mournful ballad. The second movement, "The House Carpenter," is a lively and rhythmic tune. The third movement, "He's Gone Away," is a haunting and melancholic song. The fourth movement, "Cindy," is a playful and upbeat tune. The fifth movement, "Black Is the Color," is a slow and contemplative song. The sixth movement, "The Golden Willow Tree," is a tender and romantic ballad. The seventh movement, "Lonesome Valley," is a somber and reflective tune. The final movement, "Fair and Tender Ladies," is a bittersweet and nostalgic song. The characteristics of Mountain Songs are rooted in the traditional American folk music of the Appalachian Mountains. Beaser's use of the guitar as the primary accompanying instrument gives the work a rustic and intimate quality. The vocal melodies are simple and direct, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. The harmonies are often modal and sparse, evoking the open spaces and natural beauty of the mountains. The overall effect is one of authenticity and emotional resonance. Mountain Songs has become a beloved work in the repertoire of American art song. Its combination of folk tradition and contemporary artistry has made it a favorite of both performers and audiences alike.

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