Composer

:

Peter Dickinson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:09

Peter Dickinson's 'Four W. H. Auden Songs: No. 2, Eyes, look into the well' is a song cycle composed in 1975. The piece was premiered on 22nd October 1975 at the Wigmore Hall in London, with tenor Robert Tear and pianist John Constable performing. The song cycle consists of four movements, each setting a different poem by W. H. Auden. 'Eyes, look into the well' is the second movement of the cycle. The poem explores the idea of self-reflection and the search for truth within oneself. The music of 'Eyes, look into the well' is characterized by its haunting and introspective quality. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, creating a sense of stillness and contemplation. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases that rise and fall in intensity. The opening of the song features a repeated piano motif that sets the mood for the piece. The vocal line enters with the first line of the poem, "Eyes, look into the well," and the melody rises and falls with the natural rhythm of the words. The middle section of the song features a more intense vocal line, with the tenor reaching higher notes and singing with greater urgency. The piano accompaniment also becomes more active, with arpeggios and runs that add to the sense of tension. The final section of the song returns to the opening motif, with the vocal line becoming more subdued and introspective. The final lines of the poem, "And see yourself in me as in a mirror," are sung with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The piano accompaniment fades away, leaving the final notes of the song hanging in the air. Overall, 'Eyes, look into the well' is a beautiful and introspective piece of music that captures the essence of Auden's poem. Dickinson's music perfectly complements the words, creating a sense of stillness and contemplation that draws the listener in.

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