Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1937

Average_duration

:

2:53

"Fish in the Unruffled Lakes" is a song cycle composed by Benjamin Britten in 1955. The premiere of the work was given by the tenor Peter Pears and the pianist Benjamin Britten on 14th October 1955 at the Wigmore Hall in London. The cycle consists of six songs, each of which is based on a poem by W.H. Auden. The first song, "Fish in the Unruffled Lakes," is a setting of Auden's poem of the same name. The music is characterized by a gentle, flowing melody in the piano, which is accompanied by a simple vocal line. The second song, "The Queen of the Night," is a more dramatic piece, with a faster tempo and more complex piano accompaniment. The third song, "What's in Your Mind," is a playful and whimsical piece, with a bouncy rhythm and a lighthearted melody. The fourth song, "Nightmare," is a dark and brooding piece, with a slow, ominous melody and a haunting piano accompaniment. The fifth song, "Epitaph," is a mournful and reflective piece, with a slow, melancholy melody and a sparse piano accompaniment. The final song, "Now through night's caressing grip," is a peaceful and serene piece, with a gentle, flowing melody and a delicate piano accompaniment. Overall, "Fish in the Unruffled Lakes" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle, with a wide range of moods and emotions. Britten's music perfectly captures the spirit of Auden's poetry, creating a work that is both deeply moving and highly enjoyable to listen to.

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