Composer

:

Gerald Finzi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1929

Average_duration

:

30:43

Movement_count

:

10

Movement ....

Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15 is a song cycle composed by Gerald Finzi, a British composer, in 1928. The cycle consists of eight songs, each with its own unique character and mood. The premiere of the cycle was given by the tenor Wilfred Brown and the pianist Howard Ferguson in 1942. The first song in the cycle, "Summer Schemes," is a lively and playful piece that captures the joy and energy of summer. The second song, "When I Set Out for Lyonnesse," is a more contemplative piece that explores themes of loss and nostalgia. The third song, "Waiting Both," is a duet that features a dialogue between two lovers waiting for each other. The fourth song, "The Phantom," is a haunting and mysterious piece that tells the story of a ghostly figure that haunts a deserted house. The fifth song, "So I Have Fared," is a melancholic piece that reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The sixth song, "Rollicum-Rorum," is a lively and humorous piece that celebrates the joys of drinking and revelry. The seventh song, "To Lizbie Browne," is a tender and romantic piece that expresses the composer's love for his wife. The final song in the cycle, "The Clock of the Years," is a reflective piece that looks back on the events of the past and contemplates the future. Overall, Earth and Air and Rain, Op. 15 is a beautifully crafted song cycle that showcases Finzi's skill as a composer. The cycle is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and evocative use of text. The songs are varied in mood and style, but they are all united by a sense of emotional depth and sincerity.

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