Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1904

Average_duration

:

1:57

"Let Beauty Awake" is a song cycle composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, with lyrics by Robert Louis Stevenson. The cycle was composed in 1940 and premiered in the same year. It consists of five movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique musical and lyrical qualities. The first movement, "The Winter's Willow," is a slow and melancholic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The music is characterized by its use of long, sustained notes and a somber melody that reflects the sadness of the lyrics. The second movement, "The Sweetest Lad was Born," is a lively and upbeat piece that contrasts sharply with the first movement. The music is characterized by its use of fast, staccato notes and a joyful melody that reflects the happiness of the lyrics. The third movement, "The New Ghost," is a haunting and mysterious piece that features a slow, eerie melody and sparse instrumentation. The lyrics describe a ghostly figure that haunts the night, and the music effectively captures the mood of the text. The fourth movement, "Money, O!," is a lively and energetic piece that features a fast-paced melody and a driving rhythm. The lyrics describe the joys of wealth and material possessions, and the music effectively captures the excitement and energy of the text. The final movement, "Let Beauty Awake," is a slow and contemplative piece that brings the cycle to a peaceful and reflective close. The music is characterized by its use of long, sustained notes and a gentle melody that reflects the beauty and tranquility of the lyrics. Overall, "Let Beauty Awake" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer and his ability to capture the mood and meaning of the text through his music.

More....