Composer

:

Elisabeth Lutyens

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1970

Average_duration

:

6:24

Verses of Love is a song cycle composed by Elisabeth Lutyens in 1954. The premiere of the work was given by the soprano Jennifer Vyvyan and pianist Wilfrid Parry at the Wigmore Hall in London on 22nd November 1954. The cycle consists of six songs, each of which sets a poem by a different poet. The first song, "The Sun Rising" sets a poem by John Donne. The music is characterized by a lively, syncopated piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is both declamatory and lyrical. The second song, "The Garden" sets a poem by Andrew Marvell. The music is more introspective, with a gentle, flowing piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is more melodic and expressive. The third song, "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" sets a poem by Christopher Marlowe. The music is light and playful, with a bouncy piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is full of charm and wit. The fourth song, "To His Coy Mistress" sets a poem by Andrew Marvell. The music is more urgent and intense, with a driving piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is both passionate and desperate. The fifth song, "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd" sets a poem by Sir Walter Raleigh. The music is more contemplative, with a gentle, flowing piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is both wistful and resigned. The final song, "The Definition of Love" sets a poem by Andrew Marvell. The music is more complex and abstract, with a dissonant piano accompaniment and a vocal line that is both fragmented and intense. Overall, Verses of Love is a highly expressive and varied song cycle that showcases Lutyens' skill as a composer. The music is characterized by a wide range of moods and emotions, from playful and charming to urgent and intense. The cycle is also notable for its use of different poets and styles, which adds to its richness and depth.

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