Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1896

"Echo's Lament of Narcissus" is a composition by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. It was composed in 1924 and premiered on October 22, 1924, at the Aeolian Hall in London. The piece is a part of a larger work called "Five Tudor Portraits," which is a choral suite for orchestra and choir. The composition is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text. The first movement, "The King's Herald," is a lively and rhythmic piece that sets the scene for the rest of the suite. The second movement, "The Tunning of Elinor Rumming," is a humorous and playful piece that features a solo soprano and a choir. The final movement, "Echo's Lament of Narcissus," is a haunting and melancholic piece that features a solo mezzo-soprano and a choir. The text for "Echo's Lament of Narcissus" is taken from Ovid's "Metamorphoses." The movement tells the story of Echo, a nymph who falls in love with Narcissus, a beautiful youth who is obsessed with his own reflection. Narcissus rejects Echo's love, and she is left heartbroken and alone. The movement is characterized by its mournful melody and its use of dissonance and chromaticism to create a sense of sadness and despair. Overall, "Echo's Lament of Narcissus" is a powerful and emotional piece of music that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer. Its haunting melody and evocative harmonies make it a memorable addition to the "Five Tudor Portraits" suite and a beloved piece of choral music.

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