Composer

:

John Alden Carpenter

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Tone Poem

Compose Date

:

1933

Average_duration

:

14:16

Sea Drift is a choral symphony composed by John Alden Carpenter in 1913. The piece was premiered on March 20, 1914, by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Apollo Musical Club, with Frederick Stock conducting and the baritone soloist Nelson Eddy. The work is based on a poem by Walt Whitman, which describes the journey of a sea bird over the ocean and the emotions it evokes in the poet. The symphony is divided into four movements, each of which represents a different aspect of the sea and the emotions it inspires. The first movement, "The Sea is Mighty," is a powerful and dramatic depiction of the ocean's vastness and power. The second movement, "On the Beach at Night," is a more introspective and melancholy piece, reflecting on the transience of life and the beauty of the natural world. The third movement, "The Waves," is a lively and energetic piece, evoking the movement and rhythm of the ocean's waves. The final movement, "The Untold Want," is a haunting and ethereal piece, exploring the mysteries of the sea and the human soul. Carpenter's music is characterized by its lush harmonies, rich orchestration, and evocative melodies. He was influenced by the Impressionist composers of his time, such as Debussy and Ravel, and his music reflects their interest in color, texture, and atmosphere. Sea Drift is a prime example of Carpenter's style, with its shimmering orchestration, soaring melodies, and vivid depictions of the natural world. Overall, Sea Drift is a powerful and evocative work, capturing the beauty and mystery of the sea and the human experience. Its premiere was a great success, and it remains a beloved piece in the choral symphonic repertoire.

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