Composer

:

Richard Hundley

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1988

Average_duration

:

3:53

Richard Hundley's "Waterbird" is a song cycle composed in 1972 for soprano and piano. The premiere of the work was given by the composer and soprano Phyllis Curtin at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on May 2, 1972. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which sets a poem by different authors. The first movement, "Waterbird," sets a poem by James Merrill. The music is characterized by a flowing, undulating piano accompaniment that evokes the movement of water. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long, soaring phrases that reflect the freedom and grace of the waterbird. The second movement, "The Swans," sets a poem by W.B. Yeats. The music is more subdued and introspective, with a gentle, rocking piano accompaniment that suggests the swans' peaceful existence. The vocal line is delicate and ethereal, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The third movement, "The Heron," sets a poem by Theodore Roethke. The music is more angular and dissonant, with a jagged piano accompaniment that suggests the heron's sharp movements. The vocal line is more declamatory and rhythmic, with a sense of urgency and intensity. The fourth movement, "The Egret," sets a poem by Robert Francis. The music is more playful and whimsical, with a bouncy piano accompaniment that suggests the egret's lightness and agility. The vocal line is more staccato and rhythmic, with a sense of humor and mischief. The final movement, "The Loon," sets a poem by William Meredith. The music is more dramatic and intense, with a turbulent piano accompaniment that suggests the loon's wildness and unpredictability. The vocal line is more declamatory and powerful, with a sense of danger and excitement. Overall, "Waterbird" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that captures the essence of these majestic birds through rich and expressive music.

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