Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1949

Average_duration

:

3:10

"The Silver Swan" is a song composed by Ned Rorem in 1966. It is a setting of a poem by Orlando Gibbons, a 16th-century English composer. The song was premiered in New York City in 1967 by soprano Phyllis Curtin and pianist John Wustman. The song is in three movements, with each movement depicting a different aspect of the swan. The first movement, marked "Andante," is a gentle and flowing introduction that sets the scene for the swan's graceful movements on the water. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is more lively and depicts the swan's playful nature as it dives and splashes in the water. The final movement, marked "Adagio," is a mournful and melancholic reflection on the swan's mortality, as it sings its final song before dying. Rorem's setting of Gibbons' poem is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, allowing the beauty of the vocal line to shine through. The vocal melody is lyrical and expressive, with long, flowing phrases that capture the swan's graceful movements on the water. Rorem's use of dissonance is subtle and tasteful, adding a touch of modernity to the otherwise traditional setting. Overall, "The Silver Swan" is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the essence of Gibbons' poem and the beauty of the swan. Rorem's setting is a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both timeless and modern.

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