Composer

:

John Woods Duke

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

2:11

'February Twilight' is a vocal composition by American composer John Woods Duke. It was composed in 1946 and premiered in the same year. The piece is a song cycle consisting of four movements, each of which is based on a poem by different poets. The first movement, 'February Twilight,' is based on a poem by Sara Teasdale. It is a slow and melancholic piece that captures the mood of a winter evening. The music is characterized by its use of chromatic harmonies and dissonant chords, which create a sense of tension and unease. The second movement, 'The Wind,' is based on a poem by Christina Rossetti. It is a lively and energetic piece that captures the playful and unpredictable nature of the wind. The music is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and playful melodies, which create a sense of movement and excitement. The third movement, 'The Snow,' is based on a poem by Edward Thomas. It is a slow and contemplative piece that captures the beauty and stillness of a snowy landscape. The music is characterized by its use of long, sustained chords and delicate melodies, which create a sense of calm and serenity. The fourth and final movement, 'Winter Sleep,' is based on a poem by Robert Graves. It is a slow and dreamy piece that captures the peacefulness and tranquility of a winter night. The music is characterized by its use of gentle, flowing melodies and soft, ethereal harmonies, which create a sense of relaxation and comfort. Overall, 'February Twilight' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that captures the mood and atmosphere of winter. The music is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, delicate melodies, and expressive rhythms, which create a sense of depth and emotion.

More....