Composer

:

Gustav Holst

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

1:54

Gustav Holst's "My sweetheart's like Venus" is a song for voice and piano, composed in 1903. It was premiered in London on May 14, 1904, by the contralto singer Muriel Foster and the composer himself on the piano. The song is part of a collection of six songs called "Six Songs, Op. 16," which were published in 1905. The song is in the key of F major and has a moderate tempo. It consists of three verses, each with a different melody, and a refrain that is repeated after each verse. The text is a poem by the English poet Robert Bridges, which describes the beauty and grace of the poet's beloved. The first verse begins with a gentle melody in the piano, which is then joined by the voice. The melody is simple and flowing, with a gentle rhythm that reflects the peaceful and serene mood of the text. The refrain, "My sweetheart's like Venus, the goddess of love," is sung with a rising melody that emphasizes the beauty and grace of the beloved. The second verse has a more lively melody, with a faster tempo and a more complex rhythm. The piano plays a more prominent role in this verse, with a lively accompaniment that reflects the playful and joyful mood of the text. The refrain is repeated with the same rising melody as in the first verse. The third verse returns to the gentle mood of the first verse, with a simple melody and a peaceful rhythm. The piano plays a soft accompaniment that supports the voice without overpowering it. The refrain is repeated once again, with the same rising melody as before. Overall, "My sweetheart's like Venus" is a charming and delightful song that showcases Holst's skill as a composer. The simple and flowing melodies, combined with the gentle and peaceful mood of the text, create a beautiful and romantic atmosphere that captures the essence of the poem.

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