Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1960

Average_duration

:

2:47

"Oft in the Stilly Night" is a song composed by Benjamin Britten in 1942. It is a setting of a poem by Thomas Moore, an Irish poet and songwriter. The song was premiered on 15th October 1942 at the National Gallery in London, with Britten accompanying the singer, Peter Pears, on the piano. The song is part of Britten's collection of folk song arrangements, which he composed during World War II. The collection was intended to boost morale and provide comfort to the British people during the difficult times of the war. "Oft in the Stilly Night" is one of the most popular songs in the collection, and it has become a staple of the British art song repertoire. The song is in the key of G major and has a simple, lyrical melody. It is set in a slow tempo, with a gentle, flowing accompaniment that supports the vocal line. The song has a melancholic, nostalgic character, reflecting the poem's themes of memory and loss. The song is divided into three verses, each with a different melody. The first verse is sung in a soft, introspective manner, with the singer reflecting on the past and the memories that haunt him. The second verse is more animated, with a faster tempo and a more rhythmic accompaniment. The singer expresses his longing for the past and his desire to relive the happy moments he once experienced. The third verse returns to the slow, reflective character of the first verse, with the singer acknowledging that the past is gone and that he must accept his present circumstances. Overall, "Oft in the Stilly Night" is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the essence of Thomas Moore's poem. Britten's setting is sensitive and understated, allowing the words and melody to speak for themselves. The song has become a classic of the British art song repertoire and continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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