Composer

:

Ian Venables

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:40

"The Hippo, Op. 33/6" is a song composed by Ian Venables, a British composer known for his vocal music. The song was composed in 2008 and premiered on 22nd November 2008 at the Cheltenham Music Festival. It is part of a song cycle titled "Songs of Eternity and Sorrow," which was commissioned by the baritone Roderick Williams. "The Hippo" is the sixth and final song in the cycle and is set to a poem by the American poet, Theodore Roethke. The song is in the key of F major and is marked "Allegro con brio." It is a lively and playful song that captures the character of the hippopotamus. The song is divided into three distinct sections. The first section is a lively and rhythmic introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second section is a slower and more lyrical section that describes the hippopotamus as "a great mud wallow." The final section returns to the lively and rhythmic character of the opening, with the singer describing the hippopotamus as "a great, big, clumsy, hoppity-hop." The piano accompaniment is an important part of the song, with Venables using a variety of techniques to create a sense of playfulness and energy. The accompaniment includes syncopated rhythms, staccato chords, and playful arpeggios. Overall, "The Hippo" is a charming and entertaining song that captures the character of the hippopotamus in a playful and imaginative way. It is a testament to Venables' skill as a composer of vocal music and his ability to bring poetry to life through music.

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