Composer

:

John Ireland

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

2:38

"They told me, Heraclitus" is a song cycle composed by John Ireland in 1941. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which sets a poem by a different poet. The premiere of the cycle was given by the tenor Richard Lewis and the pianist Gerald Moore in London in 1942. The first movement, "They told me, Heraclitus", sets a poem by William Johnson Cory. The poem reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of change. Ireland's setting is somber and introspective, with a slow and mournful melody in the piano and a simple, declamatory vocal line. The second movement, "The Bells of San Marie", sets a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem describes the sound of church bells ringing in a small Italian village. Ireland's setting is lively and energetic, with a fast and rhythmic piano accompaniment and a bright, soaring vocal line. The third movement, "Sea Fever", sets a poem by John Masefield. The poem describes the allure of the sea and the longing to be out on the water. Ireland's setting is evocative and atmospheric, with a rolling piano accompaniment and a soaring, expressive vocal line. The fourth movement, "The Vagabond", sets a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson. The poem describes the life of a wandering musician, traveling from town to town and playing his music for anyone who will listen. Ireland's setting is lively and playful, with a jaunty piano accompaniment and a lively, rhythmic vocal line. The final movement, "The Soldier", sets a poem by Rupert Brooke. The poem reflects on the sacrifice of soldiers in war and the honor and duty that drives them to fight. Ireland's setting is solemn and reverent, with a slow and mournful piano accompaniment and a simple, dignified vocal line. Overall, "They told me, Heraclitus" is a powerful and evocative song cycle that showcases Ireland's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the emotional depth and complexity of the poems he sets. The cycle is characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and evocative piano accompaniments, which work together to create a powerful and moving musical experience.

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