Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

ca. 1937

Average_duration

:

5:27

"Tell me the Truth about Love" is a song cycle composed by Benjamin Britten in 1937. The premiere of the work was given by the tenor Peter Pears and the composer himself at the Wigmore Hall in London on 18th November 1937. The cycle consists of six songs, each of which sets a poem by W.H. Auden. The first song, "Tell me the Truth about Love," is a playful and witty introduction to the cycle. The second song, "Funeral Blues," is a poignant and mournful elegy that was later made famous by its inclusion in the film "Four Weddings and a Funeral." The third song, "Johnny," is a lively and humorous depiction of a young man's romantic misadventures. The fourth song, "Calypso," is a lively and rhythmic setting of a poem that celebrates the joys of love and music. The fifth song, "Nocturne," is a haunting and atmospheric depiction of a sleepless night. The final song, "As it is, plenty," is a wistful and reflective meditation on the nature of love and the passing of time. The characteristics of Britten's music in this cycle are typical of his early style. The piano accompaniment is often complex and virtuosic, with frequent changes of texture and mood. The vocal writing is lyrical and expressive, with a wide range of dynamics and emotions. Britten's use of harmony is often adventurous, with unexpected chord progressions and dissonances that create a sense of tension and release. The cycle as a whole is a testament to Britten's skill as a composer of vocal music, and it remains a popular and frequently performed work to this day.

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