Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1980

First Performance

:

Mar 15, 1981

Average_duration

:

22:28

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

"After Reading Shakespeare" is a song cycle composed by Ned Rorem in 1968. The premiere of the work was given by soprano Phyllis Curtin and pianist John Wustman at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on April 23, 1969. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which sets a different Shakespearean text. The first movement, "Sonnet 30," sets Shakespeare's poem of the same name. Rorem's setting is characterized by its flowing, lyrical melody and gentle, undulating accompaniment. The second movement, "Sonnet 60," is similarly lyrical, but with a more complex harmonic language. The third movement, "Sonnet 73," is more introspective, with a haunting melody and spare, delicate accompaniment. The fourth movement, "Sonnet 129," is the most dramatic of the cycle. Rorem's setting captures the intense, passionate language of Shakespeare's poem, with a driving, syncopated accompaniment and soaring vocal lines. The final movement, "Sonnet 116," is a gentle, reflective setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous love sonnets. Rorem's music is characterized by its simplicity and directness, with a tender melody and delicate, flowing accompaniment. Overall, "After Reading Shakespeare" is a beautiful and sensitive setting of some of Shakespeare's most famous poetry. Rorem's music captures the emotional depth and complexity of Shakespeare's language, while also showcasing his own unique compositional voice. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare's words, and to the timeless beauty of art song as a genre.

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