Composer

:

Lee Hoiby

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1973

Average_duration

:

2:57

'Where the Music Comes From' is a song cycle composed by Lee Hoiby in 1983. The premiere of the work was given by soprano Benita Valente and pianist Rudolf Serkin at the Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont on August 7, 1983. The cycle consists of six songs, each with its own unique character and musical style. The first song, "The Singer," is a lively and rhythmic piece that showcases the singer's ability to convey emotion through music. The second song, "The Poet," is a more introspective piece that explores the relationship between music and poetry. The third song, "The Composer," is a playful and whimsical piece that highlights the creative process of composing music. The fourth song, "The Instrument," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the emotional connection between a musician and their instrument. The fifth song, "The Audience," is a lively and energetic piece that celebrates the joy of performing music for an audience. The final song, "The Music," is a reflective and contemplative piece that explores the power of music to evoke emotion and connect people across cultures and time. Throughout the cycle, Hoiby's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and expressive use of rhythm and dynamics. The songs are also notable for their use of text painting, where the music reflects the meaning of the words being sung. Overall, 'Where the Music Comes From' is a beautiful and thought-provoking work that celebrates the power of music to inspire and connect people. Its premiere at the Marlboro Music Festival was a great success, and the cycle has since been performed by many other musicians around the world.

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