Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

3:40

'Visits to Saint Elizabeth's' is a song cycle composed by Ned Rorem in 1965. The premiere of the work was given by soprano Phyllis Curtin and pianist John Wustman at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on April 22, 1966. The song cycle consists of five movements, each based on a poem by American poet Robert Lowell. The poems were written during Lowell's stay at the mental institution, Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, where he was treated for bipolar disorder. Rorem's music captures the emotional intensity and psychological complexity of Lowell's poetry. The first movement, "Beyond the Alps," is a haunting and introspective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, "Home After Three Months Away," is more upbeat and optimistic, reflecting Lowell's return to his family after his hospitalization. The third movement, "The Drunken Fisherman," is a dark and brooding piece that explores the themes of isolation and despair. The fourth movement, "Skunk Hour," is perhaps the most famous of the cycle, and is a powerful meditation on the human condition. The final movement, "Night Sweat," is a haunting and unsettling piece that captures the fear and anxiety of Lowell's illness. Rorem's music is characterized by its lyrical beauty and emotional depth. He uses a variety of musical techniques to capture the mood and meaning of Lowell's poetry, including dissonance, chromaticism, and unconventional harmonies. The piano accompaniment is often sparse and understated, allowing the voice to take center stage. Overall, 'Visits to Saint Elizabeth's' is a powerful and moving work that explores the themes of mental illness, isolation, and the human condition. Rorem's music is a perfect match for Lowell's poetry, and the cycle remains a landmark in American art song repertoire.

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