Composer

:

Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

15:49

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Harry (Henry) Thacker Burleigh was an African-American composer, arranger, and singer who was born on December 2, 1866, in Erie, Pennsylvania. He was one of the most important figures in the development of African-American music in the early 20th century. Burleigh was known for his arrangements of spirituals and his compositions of art songs. One of his most famous compositions is the song cycle "Songs (5) of Laurence Hope," which was composed in 1915. The cycle consists of five songs, each based on a poem by the British poet Laurence Hope (pseudonym of Adela Florence Nicolson). The poems are set to music for voice and piano. The premiere of "Songs (5) of Laurence Hope" took place on January 26, 1916, at the Aeolian Hall in New York City. The cycle was performed by the soprano Julia Claussen, with Burleigh accompanying on the piano. The five movements of the cycle are: 1. Kashmiri Song - This movement is based on the poem "Kashmiri Song" by Laurence Hope. The music is characterized by a flowing melody and a gentle, lilting rhythm. The piano accompaniment is delicate and evocative of the Indian setting of the poem. 2. The Temple Bells - This movement is based on the poem "The Temple Bells" by Laurence Hope. The music is characterized by a haunting melody and a slow, mournful rhythm. The piano accompaniment is sparse and atmospheric, creating a sense of mystery and melancholy. 3. Till I Wake - This movement is based on the poem "Till I Wake" by Laurence Hope. The music is characterized by a soaring melody and a lively, dance-like rhythm. The piano accompaniment is energetic and playful, reflecting the joyful tone of the poem. 4. The Rose is a Rose - This movement is based on the poem "The Rose is a Rose" by Laurence Hope. The music is characterized by a simple, yet beautiful melody and a gentle, flowing rhythm. The piano accompaniment is understated, allowing the voice to shine. 5. The Night Has a Thousand Eyes - This movement is based on the poem "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes" by Laurence Hope. The music is characterized by a haunting melody and a slow, mournful rhythm. The piano accompaniment is sparse and atmospheric, creating a sense of mystery and melancholy. Overall, "Songs (5) of Laurence Hope" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Burleigh's skill as a composer and arranger. The cycle is notable for its use of Indian and Middle Eastern musical elements, which were unusual in Western art music at the time. The cycle remains a popular choice for singers and pianists today.

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