Composer

:

Lori Laitman

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:39

"The Strong House" is a song cycle composed by Lori Laitman, an American composer known for her vocal music. The cycle was composed in 2016 and premiered on March 5, 2017, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C. The cycle consists of six movements, each based on a poem by a different female poet. The first movement, "The Strong House," is based on a poem by Anna Akhmatova. The music is characterized by a strong, driving rhythm and a sense of urgency, reflecting the poem's themes of strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The second movement, "The Sunflowers," is based on a poem by Mary Oliver. The music is more lyrical and introspective, with a gentle, flowing melody that evokes the beauty and serenity of the natural world. The third movement, "The Fish," is based on a poem by Elizabeth Bishop. The music is playful and whimsical, with a lively, syncopated rhythm that captures the poem's sense of wonder and delight. The fourth movement, "The Blue Scarf," is based on a poem by Rachel Hadas. The music is haunting and atmospheric, with a sense of mystery and longing that reflects the poem's themes of memory and loss. The fifth movement, "The Red Dress," is based on a poem by Linda Pastan. The music is passionate and intense, with a driving, urgent rhythm that captures the poem's themes of desire and longing. The final movement, "The Moon," is based on a poem by Emily Dickinson. The music is ethereal and otherworldly, with a sense of mystery and transcendence that reflects the poem's themes of spirituality and transcendence. Overall, "The Strong House" is a powerful and evocative song cycle that showcases Lori Laitman's skill as a composer of vocal music. The cycle's six movements are diverse in style and mood, but all share a sense of emotional depth and musical sophistication that make them a compelling and rewarding listening experience.

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