Composer

:

Frank Bridge

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1906

Average_duration

:

3:47

"Far, far from each other" is a composition by Frank Bridge, a British composer, violist, and conductor. The piece was composed in 1903 and premiered on March 10, 1904, at the Aeolian Hall in London. It is a song cycle consisting of six movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, "Far, far from each other," sets the tone for the entire cycle. It is a slow and melancholic piece, with a haunting melody that is repeated throughout the movement. The lyrics, written by Matthew Arnold, describe the pain of separation and the longing for a loved one. The second movement, "Where is it that our soul doth go?" is a more upbeat and lively piece. The melody is more complex, with a faster tempo and more intricate harmonies. The lyrics, also by Arnold, explore the mysteries of the afterlife and the nature of the soul. The third movement, "Music when soft voices die," is a slow and contemplative piece. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a gentle and soothing quality. The lyrics, again by Arnold, describe the power of music to evoke memories and emotions. The fourth movement, "Love went a-riding," is a lively and energetic piece. The melody is fast-paced and playful, with a sense of joy and excitement. The lyrics, by Mary Elizabeth Coleridge, describe the thrill of love and the freedom of the open road. The fifth movement, "The last invocation," is a slow and solemn piece. The melody is mournful and haunting, with a sense of finality and closure. The lyrics, by Walt Whitman, are a prayer for peace and rest in the afterlife. The final movement, "Till Earth Outwears," is a slow and contemplative piece. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The lyrics, by Christina Rossetti, describe the enduring power of love and the inevitability of death. Overall, "Far, far from each other" is a powerful and emotional song cycle that explores themes of love, loss, and the mysteries of the afterlife. Bridge's music is both beautiful and haunting, with a sense of melancholy that lingers long after the final notes have faded away.

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