Composer

:

John Woods Duke

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1974

Average_duration

:

1:45

'Water that falls and runs away' is a vocal cycle composed by John Woods Duke. The cycle was composed in 1951 and premiered in the same year. It consists of five movements, each of which is characterized by its own unique musical and lyrical qualities. The first movement, 'Water that falls and runs away', is a lively and playful piece that captures the essence of a babbling brook. The music is characterized by its flowing, cascading rhythms and the use of staccato notes to mimic the sound of water droplets. The lyrics, written by the composer himself, describe the journey of the water as it flows downstream. The second movement, 'The Waterfall', is a more dramatic and intense piece that captures the power and majesty of a waterfall. The music is characterized by its sweeping arpeggios and the use of dissonant chords to create a sense of tension and release. The lyrics, written by the poet E.E. Cummings, describe the beauty and awe-inspiring nature of the waterfall. The third movement, 'The Brook', is a gentle and peaceful piece that captures the tranquility of a babbling brook. The music is characterized by its flowing, legato melodies and the use of soft dynamics to create a sense of calm and serenity. The lyrics, written by the poet Robert Frost, describe the beauty and simplicity of nature. The fourth movement, 'The River', is a more complex and dynamic piece that captures the power and energy of a river. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and the use of syncopation to create a sense of movement and momentum. The lyrics, written by the poet Langston Hughes, describe the journey of the river as it flows through different landscapes and encounters various obstacles. The final movement, 'The Sea', is a grand and majestic piece that captures the vastness and beauty of the ocean. The music is characterized by its sweeping melodies and the use of rich harmonies to create a sense of grandeur and awe. The lyrics, written by the poet Walt Whitman, describe the endless expanse of the sea and the sense of freedom and possibility that it inspires. Overall, 'Water that falls and runs away' is a beautiful and evocative vocal cycle that captures the essence of nature in all its forms. The music is characterized by its flowing rhythms, sweeping melodies, and rich harmonies, while the lyrics paint vivid pictures of the natural world and the emotions it inspires.

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