Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1963

Average_duration

:

3:16

"Ask me No More" is a song cycle composed by Ned Rorem in 1966. The premiere of the work was given by soprano Phyllis Curtin and pianist John Wustman at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on April 28, 1967. The cycle consists of five songs, each of which sets a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson. The first song, "Ask me no more," is a gentle and introspective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second song, "The fault is not mine," is more dramatic and features a more complex piano accompaniment. The third song, "O, we are wearied of this sense of guilt," is a haunting and melancholy piece that explores themes of regret and longing. The fourth song, "I vex me not with brooding on the years," is a more upbeat and optimistic piece that celebrates the joys of youth and love. The final song, "Thou comest, much wept for," is a poignant and emotional piece that brings the cycle to a close. Throughout the cycle, Rorem's music is characterized by its sensitivity to the text and its ability to capture the emotional nuances of Tennyson's poetry. The piano accompaniment is often spare and understated, allowing the voice to take center stage. Rorem's use of harmony is also notable, with many of the songs featuring unexpected chord progressions and dissonances that add to the emotional impact of the music. Overall, "Ask me No More" is a beautiful and moving song cycle that showcases Rorem's skill as a composer and his ability to bring out the emotional depth of Tennyson's poetry.

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