Composer

:

Geoffrey Bush

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

7:43

'Songs (3) of Ben Johnson' is a song cycle composed by Geoffrey Bush in 1956. The premiere of the cycle took place on 22nd May 1957 at the Wigmore Hall in London. The cycle consists of three movements, each based on a poem by the English poet and playwright Ben Johnson. The first movement, 'To Celia', is a setting of Johnson's famous poem 'Drink to me only with thine eyes'. The music is light and playful, with a lilting melody that captures the romantic sentiment of the poem. The piano accompaniment is delicate and supportive, providing a gentle backdrop for the singer's voice. The second movement, 'The Triumph of Charis', is a more complex and dramatic setting of Johnson's poem. The music is more intense and passionate, with a driving rhythm and soaring vocal lines that convey the sense of triumph and celebration in the poem. The piano accompaniment is more forceful and dynamic, adding to the sense of drama and excitement. The final movement, 'Epitaph on Elizabeth L.H.', is a somber and reflective setting of Johnson's elegiac poem. The music is slow and mournful, with a haunting melody that captures the sadness and loss expressed in the poem. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, providing a simple and poignant backdrop for the singer's voice. Overall, 'Songs (3) of Ben Johnson' is a beautifully crafted song cycle that showcases Geoffrey Bush's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of Johnson's poetry in music. The cycle is characterized by its lyrical melodies, sensitive piano accompaniment, and emotional depth, making it a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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