Composer

:

Peter Warlock

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1924

Average_duration

:

1:36

Peter Warlock's "Sweet-and-Twenty" is a song cycle composed in 1922. It premiered in London in the same year. The cycle consists of six songs, each with its own unique character and mood. The lyrics for the songs were written by various poets, including William Shakespeare, Thomas Campion, and John Fletcher. The first song in the cycle is "Take, O Take Those Lips Away," which is a setting of a poem by Shakespeare. The song is a gentle and melancholic piece, with a simple piano accompaniment that supports the vocal line. The second song, "Sleep," is a setting of a poem by John Fletcher. It is a lullaby, with a soothing melody and a delicate piano accompaniment. The third song, "And Wilt Thou Leave Me Thus," is a setting of a poem by Thomas Wyatt. It is a passionate and dramatic piece, with a powerful vocal line and a rich piano accompaniment. The fourth song, "O Death, Rock Me Asleep," is a setting of a poem by Anne Boleyn. It is a haunting and melancholic piece, with a sparse piano accompaniment that creates a sense of emptiness and loss. The fifth song, "Rest, Sweet Nymphs," is a setting of a poem by Thomas Campion. It is a gentle and peaceful piece, with a flowing vocal line and a delicate piano accompaniment. The final song in the cycle, "Fair and True," is a setting of a poem by John Fletcher. It is a joyful and celebratory piece, with a lively vocal line and a playful piano accompaniment. Overall, "Sweet-and-Twenty" is a diverse and engaging song cycle that showcases Warlock's skill as a composer. The cycle features a range of moods and emotions, from melancholic and haunting to joyful and celebratory. The piano accompaniments are simple yet effective, providing a solid foundation for the vocal lines. The cycle is a testament to Warlock's ability to set poetry to music and create works that are both beautiful and meaningful.

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