Composer

:

Charles Tomlinson Griffes

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Suite

Compose Date

:

1915 - 1916

Publication Date

:

1917

Average_duration

:

19:38

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Charles Tomlinson Griffes was an American composer who was born in Elmira, New York, on September 17, 1884, and died in New York City on April 8, 1920. He was known for his innovative and modernist approach to music, which was heavily influenced by his interest in Eastern cultures and his studies with the French composer Charles-Marie Widor. One of Griffes' most famous works is his "Roman Sketches (4), Op. 7," which was composed in 1916 and premiered in New York City on January 23, 1917. The piece is a suite of four movements, each of which is inspired by a different aspect of Roman life and culture. The first movement, "The White Peacock," is a slow and dreamy piece that evokes the image of a beautiful bird spreading its feathers. The music is characterized by its lush harmonies and impressionistic textures, which create a sense of mystery and enchantment. The second movement, "Nightfall," is a more somber and introspective piece that captures the mood of a city at dusk. The music is marked by its haunting melodies and dark, brooding harmonies, which create a sense of melancholy and introspection. The third movement, "The Fountain of the Acqua Paola," is a lively and energetic piece that captures the spirit of a bustling city square. The music is characterized by its driving rhythms and colorful harmonies, which create a sense of excitement and vitality. The final movement, "Clouds," is a slow and contemplative piece that evokes the image of clouds drifting across the sky. The music is marked by its ethereal textures and delicate harmonies, which create a sense of tranquility and serenity. Overall, "Roman Sketches (4), Op. 7" is a masterful work that showcases Griffes' unique and innovative approach to music. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies, impressionistic textures, and evocative melodies, which create a vivid and compelling portrait of Roman life and culture.

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