Composer

:

Ian Venables

Genre

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Vocal

Style

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Vocal Music

'Midnight Lamentation, Op. 6' is a composition by British composer Ian Venables. It was composed in 1985 and premiered in the same year at the Cheltenham Festival. The piece is a song cycle for tenor and piano, consisting of five movements. The first movement, 'Midnight Lamentation', sets a poem by the composer himself. It is a mournful and introspective piece, with the tenor singing of his sorrow and despair in the middle of the night. The piano accompaniment is sparse and haunting, adding to the melancholic atmosphere. The second movement, 'The Night has a Thousand Eyes', sets a poem by Francis William Bourdillon. It is a more hopeful piece, with the tenor singing of the beauty of the night and the stars. The piano accompaniment is more lively and playful, reflecting the joyous mood of the poem. The third movement, 'The Moon Sails Out', sets a poem by Walter de la Mare. It is a dreamy and atmospheric piece, with the tenor singing of the moon sailing out over the sea. The piano accompaniment is gentle and flowing, creating a sense of calm and tranquility. The fourth movement, 'The Owl', sets a poem by Edward Thomas. It is a dark and eerie piece, with the tenor singing of the owl's haunting call in the night. The piano accompaniment is sparse and dissonant, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. The final movement, 'The Nightingale', sets a poem by John Clare. It is a joyful and uplifting piece, with the tenor singing of the nightingale's beautiful song. The piano accompaniment is lively and virtuosic, reflecting the exuberance of the poem. Overall, 'Midnight Lamentation, Op. 6' is a powerful and evocative song cycle, showcasing Ian Venables' skill as a composer and his ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of different poems. The piece is a testament to the enduring power of the art song tradition, and a must-listen for fans of vocal music.

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