Composer

:

Richard Rodney Bennett

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1999

Average_duration

:

4:08

"A Contemplation Upon Flowers" is a song cycle composed by Richard Rodney Bennett in 1971. The work was premiered on May 11, 1971, at the Wigmore Hall in London, with tenor Peter Pears and pianist Benjamin Britten performing. The cycle consists of six songs, each based on a poem by English poet John Clare. The first movement, "The Primrose," is a gentle and delicate song that captures the beauty of the flower. The second movement, "The Cowslip," is more lively and playful, with a bouncy piano accompaniment that mimics the skipping of the cowslip. The third movement, "The Yellowhammer's Nest," is a haunting and melancholic song that reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The fourth movement, "The Nightingale's Nest," is a beautiful and lyrical song that captures the joy and wonder of nature. The fifth movement, "The Hedgehog," is a humorous and playful song that tells the story of a hedgehog's adventures in the garden. The final movement, "The Celandine," is a peaceful and reflective song that celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life. Bennett's music perfectly captures the essence of Clare's poetry, with its vivid imagery and naturalistic themes. The piano accompaniment is particularly noteworthy, with its delicate and intricate textures that perfectly complement the vocal line. The songs are also notable for their use of tonality, with Bennett blending traditional tonal harmonies with more modernist techniques to create a unique and distinctive sound. Overall, "A Contemplation Upon Flowers" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature. Its timeless themes and exquisite music make it a true masterpiece of the art song repertoire.

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