Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1902

Publication Date

:

1922

First Performance

:

Mar 17, 1967

Average_duration

:

2:43

'Songs My Mother Taught Me, S. 361' is a song cycle composed by Charles Ives in 1895. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which is based on a traditional American folk song. The premiere of the cycle took place in 1896 in Danbury, Connecticut. The first movement, "The Things Our Fathers Loved," is a nostalgic reflection on the past. The melody is based on a traditional tune, and Ives adds his own harmonies and rhythms to create a unique sound. The lyrics describe the things that the fathers of the past loved, such as "the old oaken bucket that hung in the well." The second movement, "The Circus Band," is a lively and energetic piece that captures the excitement of a circus parade. The melody is based on a traditional tune, and Ives adds his own harmonies and rhythms to create a sense of chaos and excitement. The lyrics describe the various instruments played by the circus band, such as the "big bass drum" and the "little piccolo." The third movement, "Songs My Mother Taught Me," is a tender and nostalgic piece that reflects on the songs that the composer's mother taught him as a child. The melody is based on a traditional tune, and Ives adds his own harmonies and rhythms to create a sense of longing and nostalgia. The lyrics describe the songs that the composer's mother taught him, such as "The Old Folks at Home" and "Swanee River." The final movement, "Tom Sails Away," is a melancholy piece that reflects on the departure of a loved one. The melody is based on a traditional tune, and Ives adds his own harmonies and rhythms to create a sense of sadness and loss. The lyrics describe the departure of Tom, who is sailing away to a distant land. Overall, 'Songs My Mother Taught Me, S. 361' is a beautiful and poignant song cycle that captures the essence of traditional American folk music while also showcasing Ives' unique compositional style. The cycle is characterized by its use of traditional melodies, complex harmonies, and unconventional rhythms, which combine to create a truly original and moving work of art.

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