Composer

:

Frederick Delius

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1907

Average_duration

:

30:43

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Frederick Delius composed 'Songs of Sunset, RT ii/5' in 1906-1907. The piece was premiered on October 10, 1908, at the Leeds Festival, with the composer conducting. The work is a setting of two poems by Ernest Dowson, "The Hound of Heaven" and "They are not long, the weeping and the laughter," for mezzo-soprano, baritone, chorus, and orchestra. The piece is divided into two movements, each corresponding to one of the poems. The first movement, "The Hound of Heaven," is a dramatic and intense setting of Dowson's poem about a man pursued by the divine. The music is characterized by its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which create a sense of unease and tension. The mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists take turns singing the protagonist's lines, while the chorus provides a haunting and ethereal backdrop. The second movement, "They are not long, the weeping and the laughter," is a more contemplative and introspective setting of Dowson's poem about the fleeting nature of life. The music is characterized by its use of lush harmonies and gentle melodies, which create a sense of nostalgia and longing. The mezzo-soprano and baritone soloists sing together in duet, while the chorus provides a gentle and soothing accompaniment. Overall, 'Songs of Sunset' is a deeply emotional and evocative work that showcases Delius's skill as a composer of vocal music. The piece is notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, as well as its lush harmonies and gentle melodies. It remains a popular work in the choral repertoire and is considered one of Delius's most significant contributions to the genre.

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