Composer

:

Virgil Thomson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1959

Average_duration

:

10:24

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

"Mostly About Love Songs for Alice Estey" is a song cycle composed by Virgil Thomson in 1964. The premiere of the work was given by the soprano Bethany Beardslee and the composer himself at the piano on February 28, 1965, at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. The cycle consists of six songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, "The Kiss," is a playful and lighthearted piece that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second song, "The Letter," is a more introspective and melancholy piece that explores the emotions of a lover waiting for a response from their beloved. The third song, "The Proposal," is a joyful and celebratory piece that captures the excitement and anticipation of a marriage proposal. The fourth song, "The Wedding," is a solemn and reverent piece that celebrates the union of two lovers. The fifth song, "The Separation," is a poignant and bittersweet piece that explores the pain and sadness of a lover's departure. The final song, "The Return," is a triumphant and joyful piece that celebrates the reunion of two lovers. Thomson's music in "Mostly About Love Songs for Alice Estey" is characterized by its simplicity and directness. The melodies are often diatonic and easy to sing, and the accompaniment is sparse and unobtrusive. The harmonies are often tonal and straightforward, but Thomson occasionally employs dissonance and chromaticism to create moments of tension and drama. Overall, "Mostly About Love Songs for Alice Estey" is a charming and accessible work that showcases Thomson's skill as a composer of vocal music. Its six songs capture the full range of emotions associated with love and relationships, and its simple yet effective musical language makes it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

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