Composer

:

Arthur Somervell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1898

Average_duration

:

24:56

Movement_count

:

13

Movement ....

Arthur Somervell's 'Maud' is a song cycle composed in 1898, based on Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem of the same name. The cycle premiered in London in 1899, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. The cycle consists of eight movements, each of which is a setting of a different section of Tennyson's poem. The first movement, 'Come into the garden, Maud', is a gentle and lyrical introduction to the cycle, with a flowing piano accompaniment and a soaring vocal line. The second movement, 'O that 'twere possible', is more dramatic, with a restless piano accompaniment and a passionate vocal line that expresses the speaker's longing for Maud. The third movement, 'Go not, happy day', is a wistful and nostalgic reflection on the passing of time, with a delicate piano accompaniment and a tender vocal line. The fourth movement, 'I have led her home', is a triumphant and joyful celebration of the speaker's love for Maud, with a lively piano accompaniment and a soaring vocal line. The fifth movement, 'Come, we will rest', is a peaceful and serene interlude, with a gentle piano accompaniment and a soothing vocal line. The sixth movement, 'Now sleeps the crimson petal', is a haunting and atmospheric setting of Tennyson's famous poem, with a sparse piano accompaniment and a delicate vocal line. The seventh movement, 'A voice by the cedar tree', is a dramatic and intense setting of a pivotal moment in the poem, with a turbulent piano accompaniment and a passionate vocal line. The final movement, 'Maud has a garden', is a gentle and reflective conclusion to the cycle, with a flowing piano accompaniment and a tender vocal line that expresses the speaker's love for Maud. Overall, 'Maud' is a beautifully crafted song cycle that showcases Somervell's skill as a composer and his sensitivity to Tennyson's poetry. The cycle is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and evocative piano accompaniments, which perfectly capture the mood and atmosphere of Tennyson's poem.

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