Composer

:

John Woods Duke

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Elegy

Compose Date

:

1946

Average_duration

:

1:42

"Little Elegy" is a vocal composition by American composer John Woods Duke. It was composed in 1947 and premiered the same year. The piece is a solo song for voice and piano, and it is often performed by sopranos or mezzo-sopranos. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is characterized by a mournful melody in the piano accompaniment. The vocal line is simple and lyrical, with a range that spans just over an octave. The text of the first movement is a poem by Dorothy Parker, which speaks of the sadness and loneliness of a lost love. The second movement is marked "Allegro vivace" and is much more lively than the first. The piano accompaniment is playful and syncopated, while the vocal line is more virtuosic, with a wider range and more complex rhythms. The text of the second movement is also by Dorothy Parker, and it speaks of the joy and freedom of being single. The third and final movement is marked "Andante" and returns to the mournful character of the first movement. The piano accompaniment is sparse and haunting, while the vocal line is more expressive and dramatic. The text of the third movement is a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, which speaks of the inevitability of death and the sadness of leaving loved ones behind. Overall, "Little Elegy" is a poignant and emotional work that showcases John Woods Duke's skill as a composer of vocal music. The piece is often performed in recitals and competitions, and it remains a beloved work in the repertoire of many singers.

More....