Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1919 - 1920

Publication Date

:

1922

First Performance

:

Jun 4, 1933

Average_duration

:

1:47

"Mists (II), S.301" is a piano piece composed by Charles Ives in 1921. The piece premiered in 1922 at the New School for Social Research in New York City. It is a part of a collection of pieces called "Three Page Sonata" which includes "Mists (I)" and "The Alcotts." The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Very slowly, with a feeling of hesitation - as though one doubted the outcome." It begins with a series of soft, dissonant chords that create a sense of uncertainty. The melody is sparse and fragmented, with pauses between each phrase. The movement ends with a series of soft, unresolved chords. The second movement is marked "Like a scherzo - not too fast." It is more lively than the first movement, with a playful melody that is reminiscent of a folk dance. The rhythm is irregular, with accents on unexpected beats. The movement ends abruptly, with a final chord that is cut off. The third movement is marked "Very slowly - as one who awakes from a long sleep." It begins with a series of soft, dreamy chords that gradually build in intensity. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The movement ends with a series of soft, unresolved chords that fade away into silence. Overall, "Mists (II), S.301" is a complex and introspective piece that reflects Ives' interest in experimental harmonies and unconventional rhythms. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance, irregular rhythms, and fragmented melodies. It is a challenging piece to perform, requiring a high level of technical skill and sensitivity to the nuances of the music.

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