Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1971

Average_duration

:

17:02

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

"Ariel, cycle of 5 poems of Sylvia Plath" is a song cycle composed by Ned Rorem in 1974. The premiere of the cycle was held on October 22, 1974, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The cycle consists of five songs, each based on a poem from Sylvia Plath's posthumously published collection, "Ariel." The first song, "Morning Song," is a lullaby-like piece that captures the joy and wonder of a new mother. The second song, "The Couriers," is a haunting and eerie piece that explores the theme of death and the afterlife. The third song, "The Rabbit Catcher," is a playful and whimsical piece that tells the story of a young girl catching rabbits. The fourth song, "Lady Lazarus," is a powerful and intense piece that explores the theme of suicide and rebirth. The final song, "Daddy," is a deeply personal and emotional piece that deals with Plath's complicated relationship with her father. Rorem's music is characterized by its lyrical and expressive qualities, as well as its sensitivity to the text. He uses a variety of musical techniques to capture the mood and meaning of each poem, including chromaticism, dissonance, and tonal ambiguity. The vocal lines are often highly melodic and expressive, while the piano accompaniment is often sparse and atmospheric. Overall, "Ariel, cycle of 5 poems of Sylvia Plath" is a powerful and moving work that captures the essence of Plath's poetry. Rorem's music is a perfect complement to Plath's words, creating a deeply emotional and evocative experience for the listener.

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