Composer

:

Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomizhsky

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

4:38

"Stariy kapral" (The Old Corporal) is a vocal cycle composed by Alexander Sergeyevich Dargomizhsky in 1869. The premiere of the cycle took place in the same year in St. Petersburg. The cycle consists of six songs, each of which tells a story of a different character. The songs are based on poems by Alexander Pushkin, Mikhail Lermontov, and other Russian poets. The first song, "The Old Corporal," tells the story of an old soldier who has been forgotten by his country and left to die alone. The music is somber and mournful, reflecting the sadness of the old man's situation. The second song, "The Peasant," is a lively and energetic piece that tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a peasant girl. The music is full of joy and excitement, reflecting the young man's passion. The third song, "The Gypsy," is a haunting and mysterious piece that tells the story of a gypsy woman who seduces a young man and then disappears. The music is full of tension and suspense, reflecting the uncertainty of the young man's fate. The fourth song, "The Soldier," is a somber and reflective piece that tells the story of a soldier who has been wounded in battle. The music is full of sadness and regret, reflecting the soldier's pain and suffering. The fifth song, "The Merchant," is a lively and upbeat piece that tells the story of a wealthy merchant who falls in love with a beautiful woman. The music is full of energy and excitement, reflecting the merchant's passion and desire. The final song, "The Poet," is a reflective and introspective piece that tells the story of a poet who is struggling to find inspiration. The music is full of contemplation and reflection, reflecting the poet's inner turmoil. Overall, "Stariy kapral" is a powerful and emotional vocal cycle that showcases Dargomizhsky's skill as a composer. The music is full of depth and complexity, reflecting the rich and varied stories of the characters in the cycle. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of Russian poetry and music, and it remains a beloved work of art to this day.

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