Composer

:

Peter Warlock

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1930

Average_duration

:

3:13

Peter Warlock's "The Fox" is a song cycle composed in 1922, with a premiere performance in London in 1923. The cycle consists of five movements, each based on a poem by the English poet John Masefield. The first movement, "The Singer," is a lively and rhythmic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, "The True Lover," is a slower and more contemplative piece, with a haunting melody that captures the melancholy of the poem. The third movement, "The Forsaken Lover," is a dramatic and intense piece, with a driving rhythm and soaring vocal lines that convey the desperation of the poem's protagonist. The fourth movement, "The Wounded Lover," is a more subdued piece, with a gentle melody that reflects the wounded heart of the poem's protagonist. The final movement, "The Fox," is the most famous of the cycle, and is often performed as a standalone piece. It is a lively and playful piece, with a catchy melody that captures the mischievous spirit of the poem's titular character. Overall, "The Fox" is a masterful example of Warlock's skill as a composer, with each movement showcasing his ability to capture the mood and emotion of Masefield's poetry through music. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of the art song, and remains a beloved work in the repertoire of many singers and pianists today.

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