Composer

:

Lee Hoiby

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:11

"In the Wand of the Wind" is a song cycle composed by Lee Hoiby in 1979. The premiere of the work was given by soprano Phyllis Bryn-Julson and pianist Donald Sutherland at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on May 2, 1980. The song cycle consists of six movements, each of which sets a poem by a different author. The first movement, "The Wind Sings Welcome in Early Spring," sets a poem by Emily Dickinson and features a lively, playful melody that captures the joy of the arrival of spring. The second movement, "The Wind, One Brilliant Day," sets a poem by Antonio Machado and features a more contemplative, introspective melody that reflects on the transience of life. The third movement, "The Wind, Thy Greatness," sets a poem by William Blake and features a majestic, grand melody that celebrates the power and majesty of the wind. The fourth movement, "The Wind, the Wind," sets a poem by Christina Rossetti and features a haunting, ethereal melody that captures the mysterious and elusive nature of the wind. The fifth movement, "The Wind, the Wind is Always There," sets a poem by Octavio Paz and features a driving, rhythmic melody that captures the constant presence and force of the wind. The final movement, "The Wind, the Wind is My Mother," sets a Navajo prayer and features a simple, serene melody that expresses a deep reverence for the natural world. Throughout the song cycle, Hoiby's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and sensitive treatment of the text. The piano accompaniment is often virtuosic, with intricate figurations and dramatic flourishes that complement the vocal line. Overall, "In the Wand of the Wind" is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Hoiby's skill as a composer and his deep sensitivity to the natural world.

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