Composer

:

Jake Heggie

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Scene

Compose Date

:

2005

At the Statue of Venus is a song cycle composed by Jake Heggie in 1997. The work was premiered on February 22, 1998, at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which is based on a poem by Terrence McNally. The first movement, "At the Statue of Venus," is a contemplation of the statue of Venus in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The music is slow and meditative, with a sense of awe and reverence. The second movement, "The Wrestler," is a dramatic and intense portrayal of a wrestler in the ring. The music is rhythmic and driving, with a sense of struggle and conflict. The third movement, "The Actor," is a reflection on the life of an actor. The music is lyrical and expressive, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The fourth movement, "The Dancer," is a celebration of the art of dance. The music is lively and energetic, with a sense of joy and exuberance. The final movement, "The Painter," is a meditation on the life of a painter. The music is contemplative and introspective, with a sense of reflection and introspection. Overall, At the Statue of Venus is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Heggie's skill as a composer. The music is rich and expressive, with a wide range of emotions and moods. The cycle is a testament to the power of poetry and music to capture the essence of the human experience.

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