Composer

:

Frederick Delius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1929

Average_duration

:

9:58

Frederick Delius composed 'Cynara, RT iii/5' in 1902, and it premiered in Leipzig, Germany, on November 27, 1902. The piece is a song cycle for voice and orchestra, with lyrics by Ernest Dowson. The cycle consists of three movements, each of which is a setting of one of Dowson's poems. The first movement, "Go, lovely rose," is a gentle and lyrical piece that features a flowing melody in the orchestra and a soaring vocal line. The second movement, "When I am dead, my dearest," is a more somber and introspective piece, with a mournful melody in the orchestra and a plaintive vocal line. The final movement, "Cynara," is the most dramatic of the three, with a powerful and passionate melody in the orchestra and a soaring, almost operatic vocal line. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Cynara' is Delius's use of orchestration. He employs a wide range of colors and textures, from delicate and ethereal to bold and dramatic, to create a rich and evocative musical landscape. The vocal writing is also notable for its expressive power and emotional depth, as Delius captures the complex and often conflicting emotions of Dowson's poetry. Overall, 'Cynara' is a masterful example of Delius's unique musical style, which blends elements of impressionism, romanticism, and modernism to create a sound that is both lush and innovative. It remains a beloved work in the repertoire of vocal music, and a testament to Delius's enduring legacy as one of the most important composers of the early 20th century.

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