Composer

:

Liza Lehmann

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1895

Average_duration

:

2:32

"The Lily of a Day" is a song cycle composed by Liza Lehmann, a British composer and singer, in 1898. The cycle consists of six songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The premiere of the cycle took place in London in 1898, with Lehmann herself performing the songs. The first song, "The Lily of a Day," gives the cycle its title. It is a gentle and melancholic song, with a simple melody and sparse accompaniment. The lyrics speak of the fleeting nature of life and love, comparing them to the short-lived beauty of a lily. The song is marked by Lehmann's sensitive and expressive vocal style, which perfectly captures the wistful mood of the piece. The second song, "The Nightingale," is a lively and playful piece, with a fast-paced melody and intricate piano accompaniment. The lyrics describe the joyous song of a nightingale, and Lehmann's performance is full of energy and enthusiasm. The third song, "The Rosebud," is a tender and romantic piece, with a flowing melody and delicate piano accompaniment. The lyrics speak of the beauty and fragility of a rosebud, and Lehmann's performance is marked by her ability to convey both the sweetness and the vulnerability of the piece. The fourth song, "The Poppy," is a haunting and mysterious piece, with a slow and mournful melody and sparse piano accompaniment. The lyrics describe the hypnotic and deadly allure of a poppy, and Lehmann's performance is marked by her ability to create a sense of otherworldly beauty and danger. The fifth song, "The Forget-me-not," is a gentle and nostalgic piece, with a simple and plaintive melody and sparse piano accompaniment. The lyrics speak of the enduring power of memory and love, and Lehmann's performance is marked by her ability to convey both the sadness and the hopefulness of the piece. The final song, "The Daisy," is a joyful and celebratory piece, with a lively and upbeat melody and intricate piano accompaniment. The lyrics speak of the simple and unassuming beauty of a daisy, and Lehmann's performance is marked by her ability to convey the sense of joy and wonder that the piece inspires. Overall, "The Lily of a Day" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle, marked by Lehmann's sensitive and expressive vocal style and her ability to create a wide range of moods and emotions through her music.

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