Composer

:

Josef Suk

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

'Songs (5) from About Swallows & Girls' is a song cycle composed by Josef Suk, a Czech composer and violinist. The cycle was composed in 1917 and premiered in Prague in the same year. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which is based on a poem by the Czech poet Julius Zeyer. The first movement, 'The Swallows', is a lively and playful song that captures the joy and freedom of the birds as they fly through the sky. The music is light and airy, with a sense of movement and flight. The second movement, 'The Girls', is a more introspective and melancholic song that reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of youth. The music is slower and more contemplative, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The third movement, 'The Swallow's Flight', is a virtuosic violin solo that captures the agility and speed of the bird as it darts through the air. The music is fast and energetic, with intricate runs and trills that showcase Suk's skill as a violinist. The fourth movement, 'The Girls' Lament', is a mournful song that expresses the sadness and regret of the girls as they realize that their youth is slipping away. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The final movement, 'The Swallows' Return', is a triumphant and joyful song that celebrates the return of the swallows after their long migration. The music is lively and energetic, with a sense of excitement and anticipation. Overall, 'Songs (5) from About Swallows & Girls' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that captures the beauty and transience of life. Suk's music is lyrical and expressive, with a deep emotional resonance that speaks to the human experience.

More....