Composer

:

Gerald Finzi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1928

Average_duration

:

8:29

Movement_count

:

2

Movement ....

Gerald Finzi's 'Sonnets (2), Op. 12' is a song cycle composed for tenor and piano. The work was completed in 1929 and premiered in London in the same year. The cycle consists of two movements, each setting a sonnet by the English poet Edmund Blunden. The first movement, 'When I set out for Lyonnesse', is a setting of Blunden's poem of the same name. The poem describes a journey to a mythical land, and Finzi's music captures the sense of wonder and adventure in the text. The piano part is particularly evocative, with rolling arpeggios and shimmering chords creating a sense of movement and excitement. The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with soaring melodies and delicate phrasing. The second movement, 'Say, Lad, have you things to do?', is a more introspective setting of Blunden's poem. The text reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death, and Finzi's music is correspondingly melancholy. The piano part is spare and haunting, with simple chords and delicate arpeggios creating a sense of stillness and contemplation. The vocal line is similarly restrained, with long, sustained notes and a sense of resignation. Overall, 'Sonnets (2), Op. 12' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Finzi's skill as a composer. The music is deeply expressive and perfectly captures the mood and meaning of Blunden's poetry. The work is a testament to the enduring power of the art song, and a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the human voice.

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