Composer

:

Robert Heppener

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1968 - 1970

Average_duration

:

2:30

Robert Heppener's 'Songs (4) on poems by Ezra Pound, No. 3, Pan is dead' is a composition for voice and piano. It was composed in 1960 and premiered on May 17, 1961, in Amsterdam. The piece is part of a larger song cycle that sets four poems by Ezra Pound to music. The third song in the cycle, 'Pan is dead,' is a haunting and melancholic piece that explores the theme of loss and decay. The piano sets the mood with a mournful introduction, and the voice enters with a simple melody that gradually builds in intensity. The lyrics describe the death of the Greek god Pan, and the sense of emptiness and despair that follows. The song is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is slow and mournful, with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The second section is more agitated, with a faster tempo and more complex rhythms. The voice and piano engage in a dialogue, with the piano providing a counterpoint to the voice's lament. The final section returns to the slower tempo of the opening, with a sense of finality and closure. Heppener's setting of Pound's poem is characterized by its spare and understated style. The piano provides a simple accompaniment that supports the voice without overpowering it. The vocal melody is lyrical and expressive, with a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and introspection. In conclusion, 'Songs (4) on poems by Ezra Pound, No. 3, Pan is dead' is a poignant and evocative composition that showcases Heppener's skill as a composer. The piece is notable for its restrained and understated style, which allows the beauty and power of Pound's poetry to shine through.

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