Composer

:

Virgil Thomson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1957

Average_duration

:

11:26

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Virgil Thomson's 'Shakespeare Songs (5)' is a collection of five songs composed in 1951. The premiere of the work took place on May 6, 1951, at the Town Hall in New York City. The songs are based on texts from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets. The first song, "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind," is a setting of a song from Shakespeare's play "As You Like It." The song is characterized by its light and playful melody, which is accompanied by a simple piano accompaniment. The second song, "Fear No More the Heat o' the Sun," is a setting of a song from Shakespeare's play "Cymbeline." The song is characterized by its haunting melody and melancholic mood, which is enhanced by the use of chromatic harmonies. The third song, "It Was a Lover and His Lass," is a setting of a song from Shakespeare's play "As You Like It." The song is characterized by its lively and upbeat melody, which is accompanied by a bouncy piano accompaniment. The fourth song, "Take, O Take Those Lips Away," is a setting of a song from Shakespeare's play "Measure for Measure." The song is characterized by its tender and romantic melody, which is accompanied by a delicate piano accompaniment. The fifth and final song, "When Daisies Pied," is a setting of a song from Shakespeare's play "Love's Labour's Lost." The song is characterized by its light and playful melody, which is accompanied by a lively piano accompaniment. Overall, Thomson's 'Shakespeare Songs (5)' is a charming and accessible collection of songs that showcases the composer's skillful use of melody and harmony. The songs are well-suited for both amateur and professional singers, and they continue to be popular choices for recitals and concerts.

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