Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:29

'O Do Not Love Too Long' is a song composed by Ned Rorem in 1960. It is a part of his song cycle titled "Four Dialogues" which was premiered in 1961. The song is set to a poem by W.B. Yeats and is written for a high voice and piano. The song is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Moderato" and is characterized by a flowing piano accompaniment that sets the mood for the song. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with the singer delivering the text in a conversational style. The second movement is marked "Allegro" and is more energetic than the first. The piano accompaniment is more rhythmic and the vocal line is more declamatory. The third movement is marked "Andante" and is the most introspective of the three. The piano accompaniment is sparse and the vocal line is more contemplative. The song is characterized by Rorem's use of tonality and his ability to create a seamless blend between the voice and piano. The vocal line is often disjunct, with wide leaps and unexpected intervals, but Rorem's use of tonality keeps the song grounded and accessible. The piano accompaniment is also notable for its use of arpeggios and broken chords, which create a sense of movement and flow. The text of the song is taken from Yeats' poem "He Tells of the Perfect Beauty". The poem is a warning against loving too long, as it can lead to disappointment and disillusionment. Rorem's setting of the text captures the melancholic tone of the poem, while also highlighting its beauty and lyricism. Overall, 'O Do Not Love Too Long' is a beautiful and expressive song that showcases Rorem's skill as a composer. Its use of tonality, seamless blend of voice and piano, and expressive vocal line make it a standout piece in the repertoire of art songs.

More....