Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1898

Publication Date

:

1922

First Performance

:

Mar 28, 1950

Average_duration

:

3:25

"I'll not complain, S. 271" is a song composed by Charles Ives in 1921. It was premiered in 1922 in New York City. The song is part of a collection of songs called "114 Songs," which Ives composed between 1894 and 1924. The song is written for voice and piano and has a simple, yet poignant melody. It is a slow, mournful piece that expresses the sentiment of acceptance in the face of adversity. The lyrics, written by Ives himself, are a reflection on the hardships of life and the inevitability of death. The song's title is taken from the first line of the lyrics, which reads, "I'll not complain, though my heart is breaking." The song is divided into two movements. The first movement is in a slow tempo and is marked "Adagio." The piano accompaniment is sparse, with simple chords that support the vocal line. The vocal melody is simple and expressive, with long, sustained notes that convey a sense of sadness and resignation. The second movement is marked "Andante" and is slightly faster than the first. The piano accompaniment is more complex, with arpeggios and runs that add a sense of movement and urgency to the piece. The vocal melody is more varied in this movement, with shorter, more rhythmic phrases that convey a sense of hope and acceptance. Overall, "I'll not complain, S. 271" is a beautiful and moving piece of music that reflects Ives' unique style and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple melodies and harmonies. It is a testament to the power of music to express the deepest feelings of the human heart.

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