Gordon Getty
Emily Dickinson Songs (4)
Works Info
Composer:Gordon GettyGenre:VocalAverage_duration:7:49Movement_count:4Movement ....Emily Dickinson Songs (4) is a song cycle composed by American composer Gordon Getty. The cycle was composed in 2013 and premiered on May 11, 2014, at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The cycle consists of four movements, each based on a poem by the American poet Emily Dickinson. The first movement, "The Heart Asks Pleasure First," is a setting of Dickinson's poem of the same name. The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody that is supported by a simple, yet effective, piano accompaniment. The vocal line is expressive and lyrical, with a focus on the beauty of the text. The second movement, "I Taste a Liquor Never Brewed," is a lively and energetic setting of Dickinson's poem. The music is characterized by a driving rhythm and a playful melody that captures the spirit of the text. The vocal line is virtuosic and requires a high level of technical skill from the singer. The third movement, "Because I Could Not Stop for Death," is a haunting and introspective setting of Dickinson's famous poem. The music is characterized by a slow, mournful melody that is supported by a sparse and atmospheric piano accompaniment. The vocal line is contemplative and reflective, with a focus on the existential themes of the text. The final movement, "Hope Is the Thing with Feathers," is a joyful and uplifting setting of Dickinson's poem. The music is characterized by a buoyant and optimistic melody that is supported by a lively and rhythmic piano accompaniment. The vocal line is exuberant and celebratory, with a focus on the transformative power of hope. Overall, Emily Dickinson Songs (4) is a beautiful and expressive song cycle that showcases Gordon Getty's skill as a composer. The music is characterized by a deep understanding of the text and a sensitivity to the emotional nuances of Dickinson's poetry. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of Dickinson's work and a fitting tribute to one of America's greatest poets.More....