Composer

:

Ivor Gurney

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1919

Average_duration

:

1:47

Ivor Gurney's "The Fields Are Full" is a song cycle composed in 1918, with a premiere in 1920. The cycle consists of five movements, each with its own unique characteristics and themes. The first movement, "The Fields Are Full," sets the tone for the entire cycle with its melancholic and reflective mood. The lyrics, written by Gurney himself, describe the beauty of the countryside and the sadness that comes with the realization that it will soon be destroyed by war. The second movement, "In Flanders," is a stark contrast to the first. It is a haunting and somber piece that reflects on the horrors of war. The lyrics describe the devastation and destruction of the battlefield, with lines such as "The dead lie thick in Flanders fields, and blood has stained the ground." The third movement, "By a Bierside," is a mournful and introspective piece that reflects on the loss of a loved one. The lyrics describe the scene of a funeral, with the speaker mourning the loss of someone close to them. The fourth movement, "The Silent One," is a haunting and eerie piece that tells the story of a soldier who has been left behind on the battlefield. The lyrics describe the soldier's fear and loneliness as he waits for rescue. The final movement, "To His Love," is a poignant and emotional piece that reflects on the loss of a soldier's love. The lyrics, written by Charles Sorley, describe the soldier's grief and longing for his lost love. Overall, "The Fields Are Full" is a powerful and moving song cycle that reflects on the devastating effects of war. Gurney's use of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics creates a deeply emotional and reflective experience for the listener.

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