Composer

:

Aaron Copland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1958 - 1970

Average_duration

:

21:20

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Aaron Copland's "Poems (8) of Emily Dickinson" is a song cycle composed in 1949 for voice and piano. The premiere of the work was on January 18, 1950, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., with the soprano soloist Mildred Allen and the composer himself at the piano. The cycle consists of eight songs, each based on a poem by the American poet Emily Dickinson. The poems chosen by Copland are "Nature, the gentlest mother", "There came a wind like a bugle", "Why do they shut me out of Heaven?", "The world feels dusty", "Heart, we will forget him", "Dear March, come in!", "Sleep is supposed to be" and "When they come back". The songs are characterized by Copland's distinctive style, which combines elements of American folk music with modernist techniques. The piano accompaniment is often sparse and simple, allowing the voice to take center stage. The vocal melodies are lyrical and expressive, with frequent use of wide intervals and unexpected harmonies. Each song has its own unique character, reflecting the mood and tone of the poem it is based on. "Nature, the gentlest mother" is a gentle, flowing song that evokes the beauty of nature, while "There came a wind like a bugle" is more dramatic and intense, with a driving rhythm and dissonant harmonies. "Why do they shut me out of Heaven?" is a plaintive, introspective song that explores themes of isolation and longing, while "The world feels dusty" is more upbeat and playful, with a jaunty piano accompaniment. Overall, "Poems (8) of Emily Dickinson" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Copland's skill as a composer and his deep appreciation for the poetry of Emily Dickinson.

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