Composer

:

Theodore Chanler

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1939

Average_duration

:

3:32

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Epitaphs (3) is a song cycle composed by Theodore Chanler in 1942. The premiere of the work was in New York City in 1943. The cycle consists of three movements, each of which is a setting of a different epitaph. The first movement, "To an Early Daffodil," is a setting of a poem by Robert Herrick. The music is characterized by a lilting, pastoral melody that evokes the image of a springtime garden. The piano accompaniment is light and delicate, providing a gentle support for the vocal line. The second movement, "To a Dead Lover," is a setting of a poem by Richard Lovelace. The music is more somber and introspective than the first movement, reflecting the melancholy mood of the text. The vocal line is more declamatory, with long, sustained notes that convey a sense of mourning. The piano accompaniment is sparse and haunting, with dissonant chords that add to the sense of sadness. The third movement, "To an Old Philosopher in Rome," is a setting of a poem by Robert Browning. The music is more complex and intellectual than the previous movements, reflecting the philosophical nature of the text. The vocal line is more angular and fragmented, with sudden shifts in dynamics and tempo that convey a sense of intellectual inquiry. The piano accompaniment is more active and virtuosic, with intricate figurations that suggest the complexity of the philosopher's thoughts. Overall, Epitaphs (3) is a highly expressive and evocative work that showcases Chanler's skill as a composer. The cycle is notable for its varied moods and styles, as well as its sensitive and nuanced treatment of the texts.

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