Composer

:

Stephen J. Albert

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1984

Average_duration

:

38:25

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Treestone, songs (6) is a composition by Stephen J. Albert, an American composer who was known for his unique style that blended traditional and contemporary elements. The piece was composed in 1985 and premiered on March 22, 1986, by the soprano Dawn Upshaw and the pianist Gilbert Kalish at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. The composition consists of six songs that are based on poems by various authors, including William Butler Yeats, Emily Dickinson, and Theodore Roethke. Each song has its own distinct character and mood, ranging from introspective and melancholic to lively and playful. The first song, "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," is based on a poem by Yeats and features a simple, flowing melody that evokes the peacefulness of the Irish countryside. The second song, "I'm Nobody! Who are you?" is based on a poem by Dickinson and has a playful, whimsical character that reflects the poem's theme of individuality and nonconformity. The third song, "The Waking," is based on a poem by Roethke and has a more introspective and contemplative character. The fourth song, "The Fish," is based on a poem by Elizabeth Bishop and features a lively, energetic melody that captures the excitement of catching a fish. The fifth song, "The Windhover," is based on a poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins and has a soaring, majestic character that reflects the poem's theme of transcendence and spiritual beauty. The final song, "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock," is based on a poem by T.S. Eliot and has a brooding, melancholic character that captures the poem's sense of disillusionment and alienation. Overall, Treestone, songs (6) is a rich and varied composition that showcases Albert's skillful blending of traditional and contemporary elements. The piece is a testament to his unique voice as a composer and remains a beloved work in the repertoire of contemporary classical music.

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