Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1921

Average_duration

:

6:26

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

"Merciless Beauty (3)" is a song cycle composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, which premiered in 1921. The cycle consists of three movements, each of which sets a poem by a different author. The first movement sets a poem by Geoffrey Chaucer, the second sets a poem by Charles d'Orleans, and the third sets a poem by John Keats. The first movement, "Merciless Beauty," sets a poem by Chaucer. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of longing and despair. The vocal line is expressive and lyrical, with a wide range of dynamics and emotions. The piano accompaniment is sparse and atmospheric, with occasional bursts of energy and intensity. The second movement, "Since I from Love," sets a poem by d'Orleans. The music is more upbeat and lively, with a sense of joy and celebration. The vocal line is playful and rhythmic, with a lively melody and a sense of dance-like movement. The piano accompaniment is lively and energetic, with a sense of forward motion and momentum. The third movement, "Ode to a Nightingale," sets a poem by Keats. The music is slow and contemplative, with a sense of introspection and reflection. The vocal line is expressive and lyrical, with a wide range of emotions and dynamics. The piano accompaniment is atmospheric and dreamy, with a sense of mystery and wonder. Overall, "Merciless Beauty (3)" is a beautiful and expressive song cycle that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer. The music is lyrical and emotive, with a wide range of emotions and moods. The vocal line is expressive and nuanced, with a sense of depth and complexity. The piano accompaniment is atmospheric and evocative, with a sense of mood and atmosphere.

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