Composer

:

Theodore Chanler

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1945

Average_duration

:

1:13

Theodore Chanler's "The Children" is a song cycle composed in 1932. It premiered in New York City in 1933, with the composer accompanying the singer. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which sets a poem by W.B. Yeats. The first movement, "The Stolen Child," is a lullaby-like setting of Yeats' poem about fairies luring a child away from the human world. Chanler's music is gentle and lilting, with a simple piano accompaniment that evokes the sound of a music box. The second movement, "The Pity of Love," is a more dramatic setting of Yeats' poem about the pain of unrequited love. Chanler's music is full of yearning and passion, with a soaring vocal line and a rich, complex piano accompaniment. The third movement, "The Fiddler of Dooney," is a lively and playful setting of Yeats' poem about a fiddler who brings joy to his village. Chanler's music is full of energy and humor, with a jaunty piano accompaniment that evokes the sound of an Irish jig. The fourth movement, "The Meditation of the Old Fisherman," is a haunting and introspective setting of Yeats' poem about an old fisherman reflecting on his life. Chanler's music is spare and atmospheric, with a delicate piano accompaniment that evokes the sound of waves lapping against the shore. The final movement, "The Song of Wandering Aengus," is a mystical and otherworldly setting of Yeats' poem about a man searching for his lost love. Chanler's music is ethereal and dreamlike, with a shimmering piano accompaniment that evokes the sound of a harp. Overall, "The Children" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Chanler's skill as a composer and his sensitivity to Yeats' poetry. The music is full of emotion and atmosphere, and the piano accompaniments are rich and varied, adding depth and texture to the vocal lines.

More....