Composer

:

Irving Fine

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1954 - 1955

Average_duration

:

13:09

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

Irving Fine's 'Childhood Fables for Grownups for voice & piano, Sets 1 & 2, Nos 1-6' is a collection of twelve songs that were composed between 1940 and 1941. The work was premiered in 1942 at the New School for Social Research in New York City. The songs are based on various fables and nursery rhymes, and they are intended to be performed by a soprano or tenor accompanied by a piano. The first set of songs includes 'The Wind and the Moon,' 'The Frog and the Snake,' and 'The Walrus and the Carpenter.' The second set includes 'The Fox and the Grapes,' 'The Ant and the Grasshopper,' and 'The Owl and the Pussy-Cat.' Each song is characterized by Fine's use of tonal harmony, lyrical melodies, and playful rhythms. The piano accompaniment is also an integral part of the music, providing a colorful and expressive backdrop for the vocal line. In 'The Wind and the Moon,' Fine sets the fable to a lilting waltz rhythm, with the piano imitating the sound of the wind. 'The Frog and the Snake' features a syncopated piano accompaniment that underscores the playful dialogue between the two characters. 'The Walrus and the Carpenter' is a humorous duet between the two characters, with the piano providing a jaunty accompaniment. In the second set of songs, 'The Fox and the Grapes' is set to a lively, dance-like rhythm, with the piano imitating the sound of the fox's footsteps. 'The Ant and the Grasshopper' features a more contemplative melody, with the piano providing a gentle, flowing accompaniment. 'The Owl and the Pussy-Cat' is a charming duet between the two characters, with the piano providing a whimsical accompaniment that evokes the sea. Overall, 'Childhood Fables for Grownups' is a delightful collection of songs that showcases Fine's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the playful spirit of these classic fables and nursery rhymes.

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