Composer

:

Lukas Foss

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1953

Average_duration

:

21:32

"Song of Anguish" is a composition for solo piano by Lukas Foss. It was composed in 1943 and premiered the same year by the composer himself. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement, marked "Allegro con fuoco," is characterized by its fiery and intense energy. The piano plays rapid, virtuosic runs and arpeggios, creating a sense of urgency and restlessness. The movement is in a rondo form, with a recurring theme that is interrupted by contrasting sections. The second movement, marked "Andante espressivo," is a stark contrast to the first. It is slow and mournful, with a haunting melody that is repeated throughout. The harmonies are dissonant and unresolved, adding to the sense of sadness and despair. The movement ends with a soft, unresolved chord, leaving the listener with a feeling of unease. The final movement, marked "Allegro con brio," returns to the energy and intensity of the first. It is a fast and frenzied movement, with the piano playing rapid, syncopated rhythms and complex harmonies. The movement builds to a climax before abruptly ending with a final chord. Overall, "Song of Anguish" is a powerful and emotional work that showcases Foss's virtuosic piano writing and his ability to create a wide range of moods and emotions. The piece is a reflection of the turmoil and uncertainty of the time in which it was composed, and it remains a powerful and relevant work today.

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