Composer

:

Ernst Bacon

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:17

Ernst Bacon's "My River Runs To Thee" is a song cycle composed in 1942. The premiere of the work was given by soprano Phyllis Curtin and pianist John Wustman in 1961. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which sets a poem by Emily Dickinson. The first movement, "My River Runs To Thee," is a gentle and flowing setting of Dickinson's poem about the natural world and its connection to the divine. The piano accompaniment is delicate and fluid, evoking the image of a river running to its destination. The second movement, "I Taste A Liquor Never Brewed," is a lively and playful setting of Dickinson's poem about the intoxicating power of nature. The piano accompaniment is lively and syncopated, reflecting the joy and excitement of the speaker in the poem. The third movement, "The Grass So Little Has To Do," is a contemplative and introspective setting of Dickinson's poem about the simplicity of nature and its ability to inspire deep thought. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, allowing the voice to take center stage. The final movement, "Wild Nights," is a passionate and intense setting of Dickinson's poem about the ecstasy of love. The piano accompaniment is driving and rhythmic, reflecting the urgency and intensity of the speaker's emotions. Overall, "My River Runs To Thee" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Bacon's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of Dickinson's poetry. The cycle is characterized by its fluid and expressive piano accompaniment, as well as its sensitive and nuanced vocal writing.

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