Composer

:

Ottorino Respighi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1920

Average_duration

:

17:24

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Ottorino Respighi's 'Liriche (4) for voice, harp, keyboard & strings, P. 125' is a collection of four songs composed in 1919. The premiere of the work took place on March 16, 1920, in Rome, Italy. The four movements of the work are titled 'Nebbie,' 'Pioggia,' 'Nevicata,' and 'Nebbia.' The first movement, 'Nebbie,' is a setting of a poem by Italian poet Ada Negri. The piece begins with a gentle harp introduction, followed by the entrance of the voice. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with the harp providing a delicate accompaniment. The strings and keyboard enter later in the movement, adding depth and richness to the texture. The overall mood of the piece is melancholic, reflecting the poem's themes of mist and fog. The second movement, 'Pioggia,' is a setting of a poem by Italian poet Giovanni Pascoli. The piece begins with a lively harp introduction, followed by the entrance of the voice. The vocal line is more rhythmic and energetic than the first movement, with the harp providing a driving accompaniment. The strings and keyboard enter later in the movement, adding to the sense of urgency and intensity. The overall mood of the piece is stormy, reflecting the poem's themes of rain and thunder. The third movement, 'Nevicata,' is a setting of a poem by Italian poet Guido Gozzano. The piece begins with a gentle harp introduction, followed by the entrance of the voice. The vocal line is more subdued than the previous movement, with the harp providing a delicate accompaniment. The strings and keyboard enter later in the movement, adding to the sense of stillness and tranquility. The overall mood of the piece is peaceful, reflecting the poem's themes of snow and winter. The fourth and final movement, 'Nebbia,' is a setting of a poem by Italian poet Ada Negri. The piece begins with a haunting harp introduction, followed by the entrance of the voice. The vocal line is more introspective than the previous movements, with the harp providing a sparse accompaniment. The strings and keyboard enter later in the movement, adding to the sense of mystery and ambiguity. The overall mood of the piece is enigmatic, reflecting the poem's themes of mist and fog. Overall, 'Liriche (4) for voice, harp, keyboard & strings, P. 125' is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Respighi's skill as a composer. The combination of voice, harp, keyboard, and strings creates a rich and varied texture that perfectly complements the poetry. The four movements each have their own distinct character and mood, but they are united by a common thread of melancholy and introspection.

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