Composer

:

Ricky Ian Gordon

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Average_duration

:

1:54

"Afternoon on a Hill" is a song composed by Ricky Ian Gordon, an American composer known for his vocal music. The song was composed in 1997 and premiered the same year. It is a part of a song cycle titled "Green Sneakers," which is a tribute to Gordon's partner who died of AIDS. The song has a single movement and is written for a solo voice and piano. The lyrics are based on a poem of the same name by Edna St. Vincent Millay, an American poet and playwright. The poem describes the beauty of nature and the joy of being alive. Gordon's music captures the essence of the poem and enhances its emotional impact. The song begins with a gentle piano introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The vocal line enters with the first line of the poem, "I will be the gladdest thing under the sun!" The melody is simple and lyrical, with a flowing rhythm that reflects the joy and exuberance of the text. The piano accompaniment is delicate and supportive, providing a harmonic foundation for the vocal line. As the song progresses, the vocal line becomes more expressive, with soaring melodies and dramatic shifts in dynamics. The piano accompaniment also becomes more complex, with intricate arpeggios and cascading runs that add to the emotional intensity of the music. The climax of the song comes with the line, "I am the happiest mortal under the sun!" which is sung with great passion and energy. Overall, "Afternoon on a Hill" is a beautiful and uplifting song that celebrates the beauty of nature and the joy of being alive. Gordon's music captures the essence of the poem and enhances its emotional impact, making it a powerful and moving piece of music.

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