Composer

:

Justin Connolly

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1970

Average_duration

:

13:54

'Poems of Wallace Stevens II' is a contemporary classical composition by Justin Connolly, premiered on March 15, 2019. The piece is divided into three movements, each inspired by a different poem by the American modernist poet Wallace Stevens. The first movement, titled "The Emperor of Ice-Cream," is a lively and rhythmic piece that captures the playful and irreverent spirit of Stevens' poem. Connolly uses a variety of percussive and melodic instruments to create a sense of movement and energy, while also incorporating moments of stillness and reflection. The second movement, "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird," is a more introspective and contemplative piece that explores the themes of perception and perspective that are central to Stevens' poem. Connolly uses a combination of strings and woodwinds to create a sense of fluidity and movement, while also incorporating moments of stillness and silence to reflect the poem's meditative quality. The final movement, "The Idea of Order at Key West," is a grand and sweeping piece that captures the epic scope and philosophical depth of Stevens' poem. Connolly uses a full orchestra to create a sense of grandeur and majesty, while also incorporating moments of intimacy and introspection to reflect the poem's exploration of the nature of art and creativity. Overall, 'Poems of Wallace Stevens II' is a masterful and evocative composition that captures the essence of Stevens' poetry while also showcasing Connolly's skill as a composer. Through its use of diverse instrumentation, rhythmic complexity, and emotional depth, the piece offers a powerful and moving tribute to one of America's greatest poets.

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