Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1940

Average_duration

:

16:32

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Benjamin Britten's 'Sonnets (7) of Michelangelo, Op. 22' is a song cycle composed in 1940 for tenor and piano. The work is based on seven sonnets written by the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti, which were translated into English by the poet Tommaso Campanella. The premiere of the work was given by tenor Peter Pears and pianist Gerald Moore on 15th October 1942 at the National Gallery in London. The cycle is divided into seven movements, each corresponding to one of Michelangelo's sonnets. The first movement, 'Sonnet XXX', is a passionate declaration of love, with the tenor soaring over the piano's arpeggios. The second movement, 'Sonnet XXXI', is more introspective, with the tenor exploring the depths of his own emotions. The third movement, 'Sonnet XXXII', is a lively and playful piece, with the tenor and piano engaging in a musical dialogue. The fourth movement, 'Sonnet XXXIV', is a hauntingly beautiful piece, with the tenor singing of the fleeting nature of life. The fifth movement, 'Sonnet XXXV', is a dramatic and intense piece, with the tenor and piano building to a powerful climax. The sixth movement, 'Sonnet XXXVI', is a more subdued piece, with the tenor singing of the pain of unrequited love. The final movement, 'Sonnet XXXVIII', is a triumphant piece, with the tenor singing of the power of love to conquer all. Throughout the cycle, Britten's music perfectly captures the emotional intensity of Michelangelo's poetry, with the tenor's voice soaring over the piano's accompaniment. Overall, 'Sonnets (7) of Michelangelo, Op. 22' is a stunning work of art, showcasing Britten's mastery of the art song genre. The work has become a staple of the tenor repertoire and is widely regarded as one of Britten's greatest achievements.

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