Composer

:

Gerald Finzi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1921 - 1956

Average_duration

:

14:58

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

'O Fair to See for soprano & piano, Op.13' is a song cycle composed by Gerald Finzi, an English composer, in 1929. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which sets a poem by a different poet. The poems are all love poems, and the music reflects the emotional intensity of the texts. The first movement, "Since we loved," sets a poem by Robert Bridges. The music is slow and lyrical, with a gentle piano accompaniment that supports the soaring soprano melody. The second movement, "Come away, death," sets a poem by William Shakespeare. The music is more dramatic and intense, with a driving piano accompaniment that underscores the emotional turmoil of the text. The third movement, "Who is Sylvia?" sets a poem by Shakespeare as well. The music is light and playful, with a bouncy piano accompaniment that reflects the whimsical nature of the text. The final movement, "O fair to see," sets a poem by Christina Rossetti. The music is slow and contemplative, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that captures the melancholy mood of the text. Overall, 'O Fair to See' is a stunning example of Finzi's ability to set poetry to music. The cycle premiered in 1930 and has since become a beloved work in the repertoire of soprano and piano music. Its emotional depth and beauty continue to captivate audiences today.

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