Composer

:

Ethel Smyth

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1913

Average_duration

:

14:06

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Ethel Smyth's 'Songs (3) for mezzo-soprano & piano' is a collection of three songs composed in 1913. The premiere of the songs took place on 22nd May 1913 at the Aeolian Hall in London. The three movements of the songs are titled 'The Clown', 'The Sea', and 'The Nightingale and the Rose'. The first movement, 'The Clown', is a lively and playful song that showcases the mezzo-soprano's range and agility. The piano accompaniment is also lively and syncopated, adding to the overall playful mood of the song. The lyrics of the song are about a clown who is always happy and carefree, but who is secretly sad and lonely. The second movement, 'The Sea', is a more contemplative and introspective song. The piano accompaniment is more subdued, and the mezzo-soprano's voice is more restrained. The lyrics of the song are about the vastness and power of the sea, and how it can make one feel small and insignificant. The third and final movement, 'The Nightingale and the Rose', is a romantic and passionate song. The piano accompaniment is lush and romantic, and the mezzo-soprano's voice is full of emotion. The lyrics of the song are about a nightingale who sacrifices itself to give a rose to its beloved, only to be rejected in the end. Overall, Ethel Smyth's 'Songs (3) for mezzo-soprano & piano' is a beautiful and varied collection of songs that showcases both the mezzo-soprano's voice and the piano accompaniment. The songs range from playful to contemplative to romantic, and each movement has its own unique character and mood.

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