Composer

:

Bohuslav Martinu

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

Dec 4, 1940

Publication Date

:

1999

Average_duration

:

5:37

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Bohuslav Martinu's 'Songs (4) to Czech Poetry, H. 282bis' is a song cycle composed in 1939. The premiere of the work took place in Prague in 1940. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which sets a different Czech poem to music. The first movement, 'The Night is Darkening Round Me', sets a poem by Emily Bronte translated into Czech by Karel Capek. The music is slow and mournful, with a sense of longing and sadness. The second movement, 'The Little Owl Continues to Call', sets a poem by Frantisek Halas. The music is more lively and playful, with a sense of whimsy and joy. The third movement, 'The Sun Has Set Behind the Hill', sets a poem by Jan Neruda. The music is slow and contemplative, with a sense of peacefulness and reflection. The final movement, 'The Nightingale Has a Thorn in Its Beak', sets a poem by Jaroslav Seifert. The music is fast and energetic, with a sense of urgency and excitement. Overall, the 'Songs (4) to Czech Poetry, H. 282bis' is a beautiful and emotional work that showcases Martinu's skill as a composer. The music is deeply connected to the poetry, with each movement capturing the mood and tone of the text. The cycle is a testament to Martinu's love for his native Czech culture and language, and it remains a beloved work in the classical music repertoire.

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