Composer

:

Ricky Ian Gordon

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:57

'A Horse With Wings' is a song cycle composed by Ricky Ian Gordon, an American composer known for his vocal music. The cycle was composed in 2004 and premiered on October 17, 2004, at the Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. The cycle consists of 12 songs, each with its own unique character and style. The first movement, "The Red Dress," is a haunting ballad that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. It tells the story of a woman who wears a red dress to a party, only to be ridiculed and ostracized by the other guests. The second movement, "The House on the Hill," is a nostalgic reflection on childhood memories and the passage of time. The third movement, "The Lake Isle of Innisfree," is a setting of the famous poem by W.B. Yeats, and features a lilting melody and lush harmonies. The fourth movement, "The Garden," is a wistful meditation on lost love and the beauty of nature. The fifth movement, "The Fisherman," is a lively and rhythmic song that tells the story of a fisherman who catches a magical fish. The sixth movement, "The Nightingale," is a delicate and ethereal song that evokes the beauty of the natural world. The seventh movement, "The Unicorn," is a whimsical and playful song that tells the story of a unicorn who longs to be free. The eighth movement, "The Moon," is a haunting and atmospheric song that explores the mysteries of the night sky. The ninth movement, "The Wind," is a lively and energetic song that captures the spirit of the wind. The tenth movement, "The Horse with Wings," is the title song of the cycle, and tells the story of a horse with wings who longs to fly. The eleventh movement, "The Sea," is a powerful and evocative song that explores the majesty and power of the ocean. The final movement, "The End of the World," is a haunting and introspective song that reflects on the end of life and the passage of time. Overall, 'A Horse With Wings' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Ricky Ian Gordon's talent for creating memorable melodies and lush harmonies. The cycle is characterized by its poetic lyrics, rich imagery, and emotional depth, and is a testament to the enduring power of the human voice.

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