Composer

:

Michael Tippett

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Cycle

Compose Date

:

1962

Average_duration

:

4:43

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

'Songs for Ariel' is a song cycle composed by Michael Tippett in 1962. The work was premiered on 14th June 1962 at the Aldeburgh Festival, with Peter Pears as the tenor soloist and Benjamin Britten as the pianist. The cycle consists of nine songs, each based on a text from Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', and is scored for tenor voice and piano. The first movement, 'Come unto these yellow sands', is a lively and rhythmic song that sets the scene for the cycle. The second movement, 'Full fathom five', is a haunting and atmospheric song that features a descending piano motif and a vocal line that is both lyrical and declamatory. The third movement, 'Where the bee sucks', is a playful and whimsical song that features a lively piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of character. The fourth movement, 'Before you can say "come" and "go"', is a fast-paced and energetic song that features a virtuosic piano part and a vocal line that is full of rhythmic complexity. The fifth movement, 'You are three men of sin', is a dark and brooding song that features a slow and ominous piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of intensity. The sixth movement, 'The cloud-capp'd towers', is a reflective and introspective song that features a gentle and lyrical piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of emotion. The seventh movement, 'Where the wild thyme blows', is a light and airy song that features a delicate piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of grace and charm. The eighth movement, 'The quality of mercy', is a powerful and moving song that features a rich and expressive piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of passion and intensity. The final movement, 'Ariel's song', is a joyful and celebratory song that features a lively and exuberant piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of energy and enthusiasm. Overall, 'Songs for Ariel' is a highly expressive and imaginative work that showcases Tippett's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of Shakespeare's text. The cycle is full of contrasts, ranging from the playful and whimsical to the dark and brooding, and features a wide range of musical styles and techniques.

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