Composer

:

Gerald Finzi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1926 - 1929

Average_duration

:

27:54

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14 is a song cycle composed by Gerald Finzi between 1926 and 1929. The cycle consists of nine songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The premiere of the cycle took place in 1933, with the tenor Wilfred Brown and the pianist Gerald Moore. The first movement, "A Young Man's Exhortation," sets the tone for the cycle with its energetic and optimistic melody. The second movement, "Ditty," is a playful and lighthearted song that showcases Finzi's skill at setting text to music. The third movement, "Budmouth Dears," is a nostalgic and wistful song that evokes the beauty of the English countryside. The fourth movement, "Her Temple," is a haunting and melancholic song that explores the theme of lost love. The fifth movement, "The Comet at Yell'ham," is a dramatic and intense song that tells the story of a comet that passes over a small village in England. The sixth movement, "Shortening Days," is a reflective and introspective song that explores the passing of time. The seventh movement, "The Sigh," is a tender and romantic song that expresses the longing and desire of a lover. The eighth movement, "Former Beauties," is a humorous and satirical song that pokes fun at the vanity and superficiality of society. The final movement, "Transformations," is a triumphant and uplifting song that celebrates the power of transformation and renewal. Overall, A Young Man's Exhortation, Op. 14 is a masterful work that showcases Finzi's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of English poetry and literature. The cycle is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and evocative imagery, and it remains a beloved work in the repertoire of English art song.

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