Composer

:

Ivor Gurney

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1916

Average_duration

:

4:19

"By a Bierside" is a song cycle composed by Ivor Gurney in 1916. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which sets a poem by the English poet and soldier, John William Streets. The premiere of the cycle took place in 1918, with Gurney himself performing the piano accompaniment. The first movement, "The Singer", is a somber and mournful piece that sets the scene for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, "The Trumpet", is more upbeat and celebratory, with a lively piano accompaniment that evokes the sound of a trumpet. The third movement, "Requiem", is a slow and mournful piece that features a haunting melody and a simple, yet powerful piano accompaniment. The fourth movement, "The Silent One", is perhaps the most poignant of the cycle. It tells the story of a soldier who has died in battle, and his comrades who mourn his passing. The music is slow and mournful, with a simple piano accompaniment that underscores the sadness of the lyrics. The final movement, "Epilogue", is a short and simple piece that brings the cycle to a close. It features a gentle melody and a delicate piano accompaniment, and serves as a fitting conclusion to the mournful and reflective tone of the cycle as a whole. Overall, "By a Bierside" is a powerful and moving work that captures the sadness and loss of war. Gurney's music is simple and understated, yet deeply emotional, and perfectly complements the poignant and evocative poetry of John William Streets.

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