Composer

:

Pierre Boulez

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1970 - 1986

Average_duration

:

12:28

Pierre Boulez's "cummings ist der Dichter" is a composition for soprano and chamber ensemble, premiered on October 23, 1970, in Paris. The piece is based on the poetry of E.E. Cummings, an American poet known for his unconventional use of language and typography. The composition is divided into five movements, each of which sets a different Cummings poem to music. The first movement, "i sing of Olaf glad and big," is a playful and rhythmic setting of a poem about a rebellious soldier. The second movement, "in Just-," is a delicate and whimsical setting of a poem about the arrival of spring. The third movement, "O sweet spontaneous," is a lush and romantic setting of a poem about the beauty of nature. The fourth movement, "anyone lived in a pretty how town," is a complex and layered setting of a poem about the cycles of life and death. The final movement, "my father moved through dooms of love," is a haunting and introspective setting of a poem about the loss of a loved one. Throughout the composition, Boulez's music reflects the unconventional and experimental nature of Cummings' poetry. The vocal lines are often fragmented and disjunct, with the soprano jumping between different registers and vocal techniques. The instrumental parts are similarly complex, with intricate rhythms and unconventional harmonies. Overall, "cummings ist der Dichter" is a challenging and rewarding work that showcases Boulez's mastery of contemporary composition techniques. Its unique blend of poetry and music creates a powerful and evocative experience for both performers and listeners.

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