Composer

:

John Woods Duke

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Elegy

Compose Date

:

1950

Average_duration

:

3:07

April Elegy is a vocal composition by American composer John Woods Duke. It was composed in 1955 and premiered the same year. The piece is a song cycle consisting of four movements, each of which is based on a poem by a different author. The first movement, "April Elegy," is based on a poem by A.E. Housman. It is a mournful reflection on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The music is slow and somber, with a simple piano accompaniment that underscores the melancholy mood of the text. The second movement, "The Sick Rose," is based on a poem by William Blake. It is a short, intense piece that captures the dark, sensual imagery of the poem. The music is dissonant and angular, with a driving piano accompaniment that underscores the urgency of the text. The third movement, "The Nightingale," is based on a poem by John Keats. It is a lyrical, romantic piece that captures the beauty and mystery of the natural world. The music is lush and melodic, with a flowing piano accompaniment that evokes the gentle fluttering of the bird's wings. The final movement, "The Garden," is based on a poem by Ezra Pound. It is a contemplative piece that reflects on the transience of life and the beauty of nature. The music is slow and meditative, with a delicate piano accompaniment that underscores the peacefulness of the text. Overall, April Elegy is a powerful and evocative song cycle that showcases John Woods Duke's skill as a composer. The music is deeply expressive and perfectly complements the poetry, creating a moving and memorable work of art.

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