Composer

:

Jake Heggie

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

14:32

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

"From the Book of Nightmares" is a song cycle composed by Jake Heggie in 2001. The work was premiered on March 3, 2001, at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, with mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade and pianist Jake Heggie. The cycle consists of eight songs, each based on a poem by Galway Kinnell. The first movement, "Nightmare," sets the tone for the cycle with its haunting and dissonant piano introduction. The vocal line is angular and fragmented, reflecting the disjointed nature of a nightmare. The second movement, "The Clearing," is more lyrical and flowing, with a sense of release and relief from the previous nightmare. The third movement, "The Tooth Fairy," is a playful and whimsical song, with a jazzy piano accompaniment and a childlike vocal line. The fourth movement, "The Flight," is a dramatic and intense song, with a driving piano accompaniment and a soaring vocal line. The fifth movement, "The Unseen," is a haunting and ethereal song, with a delicate piano accompaniment and a soaring vocal line. The sixth movement, "The Witch," is a dark and brooding song, with a sinister piano accompaniment and a menacing vocal line. The seventh movement, "The Monster," is a playful and humorous song, with a jazzy piano accompaniment and a childlike vocal line. The final movement, "The Dead," is a somber and reflective song, with a mournful piano accompaniment and a poignant vocal line. Overall, "From the Book of Nightmares" is a powerful and evocative song cycle, with a wide range of emotions and musical styles. Heggie's music perfectly captures the mood and tone of Kinnell's poetry, creating a haunting and unforgettable musical experience.

More....