Composer

:

Richard Danielpour

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

2013

Average_duration

:

23:31

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

'War Songs' is a composition by Richard Danielpour, an American composer born in 1956. The piece was composed in 2008 and premiered on November 11, 2008, by the Pacific Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Carl St. Clair. 'War Songs' is a four-movement work for baritone soloist, chorus, and orchestra. The text for the piece is drawn from poems by four American poets who served in various wars: Walt Whitman (Civil War), Langston Hughes (World War I), Stephen Crane (Spanish-American War), and Yusef Komunyakaa (Vietnam War). The first movement, titled "Beat! Beat! Drums!", is based on a poem by Walt Whitman. The music is energetic and rhythmic, with pounding percussion and brass fanfares. The chorus sings the text in a declamatory style, while the baritone soloist sings a more lyrical melody. The second movement, "The Negro Speaks of Rivers", is based on a poem by Langston Hughes. The music is slow and contemplative, with lush string harmonies and a haunting melody for the baritone soloist. The chorus provides a gentle, wordless accompaniment. The third movement, "War is Kind", is based on a poem by Stephen Crane. The music is dark and brooding, with ominous brass and percussion. The chorus sings the text in a mournful, almost chant-like style, while the baritone soloist sings a melody that is both mournful and angry. The final movement, "Facing It", is based on a poem by Yusef Komunyakaa. The music is tense and dramatic, with jagged rhythms and dissonant harmonies. The chorus sings the text in a fragmented, almost disjointed style, while the baritone soloist sings a melody that is both anguished and defiant. Overall, 'War Songs' is a powerful and moving work that explores the themes of war, loss, and sacrifice through the words of some of America's greatest poets. The music is both lyrical and dramatic, with a wide range of emotions and moods. It is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and music to express the deepest human experiences.

More....