Composer

:

Celius Dougherty

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

13:52

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Celius Dougherty's 'Sea Chanties' is a song cycle composed for voice and piano. The cycle was composed in 1946 and premiered in the same year. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which is based on a traditional sea chantey. The first movement, 'Blow the Man Down,' is a lively and rhythmic song that captures the spirit of a sailor's life at sea. The second movement, 'Lowlands,' is a haunting and melancholic song that speaks of the loneliness and isolation of life at sea. The third movement, 'Haul Away, Joe,' is a lively and upbeat song that celebrates the camaraderie and teamwork of sailors working together on a ship. The fourth movement, 'Santy Anno,' is a rhythmic and energetic song that captures the excitement and adventure of life at sea. The final movement, 'Rio Grande,' is a slow and mournful song that speaks of the dangers and hardships of life at sea. The characteristics of 'Sea Chanties' are rooted in the traditional sea chantey style, which was popular among sailors in the 19th century. The songs are characterized by their strong rhythms, simple melodies, and repetitive lyrics, which were designed to help sailors work together and keep time while performing tasks on a ship. Dougherty's cycle captures the spirit of these traditional songs while adding his own unique musical style and interpretation. Overall, 'Sea Chanties' is a powerful and evocative song cycle that captures the spirit of life at sea. Its lively rhythms, haunting melodies, and evocative lyrics make it a timeless classic that continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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