Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1921

Publication Date

:

1922

First Performance

:

May 1, 1932

Average_duration

:

1:49

"Evening, S. 244" is a solo piano piece composed by Charles Ives in 1911. The piece premiered in 1921, performed by John Kirkpatrick. It consists of three movements: "Slow and Quiet," "At the River," and "Like a Sick Eagle." The first movement, "Slow and Quiet," is marked by a gentle, flowing melody that is reminiscent of a lullaby. The piece is characterized by its use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies, which create a dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere. The movement is also notable for its use of pedal effects, which create a sense of resonance and depth. The second movement, "At the River," is a more upbeat and lively piece that is based on the hymn "Shall We Gather at the River?" The melody is played in a jaunty, syncopated rhythm, with the left hand providing a steady, rolling accompaniment. The piece is characterized by its use of polyrhythms and complex harmonies, which create a sense of tension and excitement. The final movement, "Like a Sick Eagle," is a slow, mournful piece that is marked by its use of dissonant chords and unconventional harmonies. The melody is played in a slow, mournful rhythm, with the left hand providing a sparse, haunting accompaniment. The piece is characterized by its use of silence and space, which create a sense of emptiness and loss. Overall, "Evening, S. 244" is a complex and challenging piece that showcases Ives' innovative approach to composition. The piece is characterized by its use of unconventional harmonies, dissonance, and pedal effects, which create a sense of otherworldliness and depth. The three movements are distinct in their mood and character, but they are united by a sense of exploration and experimentation that is characteristic of Ives' work.

More....