Composer

:

David Del Tredici

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1976

Average_duration

:

5:12

David Del Tredici's "Acrostic Song (from Final Alice)" is a contemporary classical composition that premiered in 1976. It is part of a larger work called "Final Alice," which is a song cycle based on Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass." The piece is written for soprano voice and orchestra and is approximately 10 minutes in length. The composition is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, "A Boat Beneath a Sunny Sky," is a slow and dreamy introduction that sets the tone for the piece. The second movement, "Jabberwocky," is a fast and frenzied scherzo that captures the chaotic energy of Carroll's nonsense poem. The final movement, "Acrostic Song," is a slow and reflective conclusion that brings the piece to a peaceful resolution. The most notable characteristic of "Acrostic Song" is its use of an acrostic poem as the text. The first letter of each line spells out the name of the dedicatee, Alice Toklas. Del Tredici uses this structure to create a musical palindrome, with the music reversing itself halfway through the piece. This technique adds a layer of complexity to the composition and highlights Del Tredici's skill as a composer. Musically, "Acrostic Song" is tonal and accessible, with lush harmonies and soaring melodies. Del Tredici draws on a variety of musical styles, including Romanticism, minimalism, and pop music, to create a unique and eclectic sound. The orchestration is colorful and imaginative, with prominent use of percussion and brass. Overall, "Acrostic Song (from Final Alice)" is a masterful composition that showcases Del Tredici's creativity and skill as a composer. Its use of an acrostic poem and musical palindrome adds a layer of complexity to the piece, while its tonal and accessible style makes it a favorite among audiences and performers alike.

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