Composer

:

Roger Quilter

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1917

Average_duration

:

6:13

'Songs (3) of William Blake, Op. 20' is a song cycle composed by Roger Quilter, a British composer, in 1912. The premiere of the song cycle was held in London in the same year. The song cycle consists of three movements, each of which is based on a poem by William Blake, a famous English poet. The first movement of the song cycle is titled "The Tiger" and is based on Blake's poem "The Tyger." The poem is about the creation of the tiger and its power and beauty. Quilter's setting of the poem is dramatic and powerful, with a strong melody and rich harmonies. The piano accompaniment is also very active, adding to the intensity of the piece. The second movement of the song cycle is titled "The Lamb" and is based on Blake's poem "The Lamb." The poem is about the innocence and purity of the lamb. Quilter's setting of the poem is gentle and peaceful, with a simple melody and delicate harmonies. The piano accompaniment is also very light and airy, adding to the overall feeling of innocence and purity. The third movement of the song cycle is titled "The Garden of Love" and is based on Blake's poem of the same name. The poem is about the destruction of love and the corruption of society. Quilter's setting of the poem is melancholic and reflective, with a haunting melody and somber harmonies. The piano accompaniment is also very sparse, adding to the overall feeling of sadness and loss. Overall, 'Songs (3) of William Blake, Op. 20' is a beautiful and powerful song cycle that showcases Quilter's skill as a composer. The three movements are very different from each other, but they all capture the essence of Blake's poetry and convey a range of emotions. The song cycle is still performed today and is considered a classic of the English art song repertoire.

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