Composer

:

Charles Tomlinson Griffes

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1903 - 1911

Publication Date

:

1970

First Performance

:

May 4, 1964

Average_duration

:

1:58

"Meeres Stille, A. 13" is a composition for voice and piano composed by Charles Tomlinson Griffes in 1915. The piece is based on a poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, which translates to "Calm Sea." The premiere of the piece was in 1916, performed by the composer himself and the soprano singer, Eva Gauthier. The composition consists of three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and tempo. The first movement, "Sehr ruhig und zart," is slow and delicate, with a gentle melody that evokes the calmness of the sea. The second movement, "Sehr rasch und wild," is fast and intense, with a frenzied piano accompaniment that represents the stormy sea. The final movement, "Sehr ruhig und zart," returns to the calmness of the first movement, with a peaceful melody that brings the piece to a serene conclusion. Griffes' "Meeres Stille" is characterized by its use of impressionistic harmonies and textures, which create a dreamy and ethereal atmosphere. The composer's use of chromaticism and dissonance adds a sense of tension and unease to the piece, reflecting the unpredictability of the sea. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long phrases that soar above the piano accompaniment. Overall, "Meeres Stille, A. 13" is a beautiful and evocative composition that captures the essence of the sea through its use of impressionistic harmonies and expressive melodies. Its premiere in 1916 marked a significant moment in American music history, as it demonstrated the growing influence of European musical styles on American composers.

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