Composer

:

Virgil Thomson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1951

Average_duration

:

15:55

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Five Songs from William Blake is a song cycle composed by Virgil Thomson for baritone and piano. The cycle was composed in 1957 and premiered on March 10, 1958, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The cycle consists of five movements, each based on a poem by William Blake. The first movement, "The Tyger," is a powerful and dramatic setting of Blake's famous poem. The piano accompaniment is driving and rhythmic, while the vocal line is declamatory and forceful. The second movement, "The Lamb," is a gentle and lyrical setting of Blake's poem about innocence and purity. The piano accompaniment is delicate and flowing, while the vocal line is tender and expressive. The third movement, "The Fly," is a quirky and playful setting of Blake's poem about the fleeting nature of life. The piano accompaniment is light and whimsical, while the vocal line is agile and nimble. The fourth movement, "The Garden of Love," is a haunting and melancholy setting of Blake's poem about the loss of innocence and the corruption of love. The piano accompaniment is sparse and mournful, while the vocal line is mournful and introspective. The final movement, "The Divine Image," is a majestic and uplifting setting of Blake's poem about the inherent goodness of humanity. The piano accompaniment is grand and majestic, while the vocal line is noble and triumphant. Overall, Five Songs from William Blake is a masterful example of Thomson's skill as a composer of vocal music. The cycle showcases his ability to capture the essence of Blake's poetry through his music, creating a powerful and evocative work that is both musically and emotionally compelling.

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