Composer

:

Libby Larsen

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1999

Average_duration

:

1:43

'Songs from Letters, No. 2, He Never Misses' is a song cycle composed by Libby Larsen in 1993. The cycle is based on letters written by women during the American Civil War. The premiere of the cycle was on March 7, 1993, at the University of Minnesota, performed by mezzo-soprano Karen Brunssen and pianist Margo Garrett. The cycle consists of five movements, each based on a letter written by a woman during the Civil War. The first movement, "He Never Misses," is based on a letter written by a woman named Mary to her husband, who was serving in the Union Army. The second movement, "I Have a Little Shadow," is based on a letter written by a woman named Sarah to her husband, who was also serving in the Union Army. The third movement, "I Am Very Busy," is based on a letter written by a woman named Mary to her brother, who was serving in the Confederate Army. The fourth movement, "I Am Going to Be a Soldier," is based on a letter written by a woman named Sarah to her husband, who was serving in the Union Army. The final movement, "I Am Very Happy," is based on a letter written by a woman named Mary to her husband, who was serving in the Confederate Army. The characteristics of the cycle are reflective of the emotions and experiences of the women who wrote the letters. The music is often melancholic and reflective, with moments of hope and joy. Larsen's use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies reflects the turmoil and uncertainty of the time period. The vocal lines are often lyrical and expressive, with moments of spoken text and recitative. The piano accompaniment is supportive and often reflective of the emotions expressed in the text. Overall, 'Songs from Letters, No. 2, He Never Misses' is a powerful and emotional song cycle that reflects the experiences of women during the American Civil War. Larsen's use of text and music creates a moving and poignant tribute to the women who lived through this tumultuous time in American history.

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