Composer

:

Peter Lieberson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1997 - 2001

Average_duration

:

12:32

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Peter Lieberson's 'Rilke Songs' is a song cycle composed in 2003 for mezzo-soprano and orchestra. The work was premiered on March 6, 2004, by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, with Lorraine Hunt Lieberson as the soloist and James Levine conducting. The cycle consists of five movements, each setting a poem by the German poet Rainer Maria Rilke. The first movement, "Herbsttag" (Autumn Day), is a contemplative and introspective piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, "Ich lebe mein Leben" (I Live My Life), is a more upbeat and energetic piece that celebrates life and the joys of living. The third movement, "Der Panther" (The Panther), is a haunting and melancholic piece that reflects on the captivity and isolation of the titular animal. The fourth movement, "Ich bin" (I Am), is a deeply introspective and philosophical piece that explores the nature of existence and the self. The final movement, "Morgen" (Tomorrow), is a hopeful and optimistic piece that looks towards the future with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Throughout the cycle, Lieberson's music is characterized by its lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and sensitive treatment of the text. The orchestration is rich and varied, with a particular emphasis on the strings and woodwinds. The vocal writing is demanding but rewarding, requiring a singer with a strong and flexible voice capable of conveying the emotional depth and complexity of the poetry. Overall, 'Rilke Songs' is a powerful and moving work that showcases Lieberson's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the human experience. It is a testament to the enduring power of Rilke's poetry and a fitting tribute to one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.

More....