Composer

:

Anthony Payne

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

4:39

'Words (Poem from Edward Thomas)' is a contemporary classical composition by British composer Anthony Payne. The piece was composed in 2016 and premiered on 17th November 2016 at the Wigmore Hall in London, performed by the Nash Ensemble. The composition is a setting of the poem 'Words' by Edward Thomas, a British poet who died during World War I. The poem reflects on the power and limitations of language, and Payne's music seeks to capture the essence of the poem's themes. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the poem's meaning. The first movement, 'Words', is a slow and contemplative section that sets the opening lines of the poem. The music is sparse and delicate, with the strings and piano providing a gentle accompaniment to the vocal line. The second movement, 'The Word', is a more energetic and rhythmic section that explores the power of language to shape our perceptions of the world. The music is more complex and dissonant, with the instruments weaving in and out of each other to create a sense of tension and conflict. The final movement, 'The Words', is a reflective and introspective section that returns to the contemplative mood of the opening. The music is sparse and delicate, with the vocal line soaring above the gentle accompaniment of the strings and piano. Overall, 'Words (Poem from Edward Thomas)' is a haunting and evocative composition that captures the essence of the poem's themes. Payne's music is sensitive and nuanced, and the piece is a fitting tribute to the power of language and the enduring legacy of Edward Thomas.

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