Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1963

Average_duration

:

3:47

"Now sleeps the crimson petal" is a song composed by Ned Rorem in 1966. It is a setting of a poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson, which describes a lover's desire to be with his beloved. The song was premiered in New York City in 1967, and has since become one of Rorem's most popular works. The song is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the poem. The first movement is marked "Andante," and begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the piano. The singer enters with the first line of the poem, "Now sleeps the crimson petal," and the music gradually builds in intensity as the lover's desire for his beloved becomes more urgent. The movement ends with a quiet, reflective section as the lover contemplates his longing. The second movement is marked "Allegro," and is more lively and rhythmic than the first. The piano plays a syncopated accompaniment while the singer sings of the "white feet" of his beloved. The music becomes more frenzied as the lover's desire grows, and the movement ends with a sudden, dramatic pause. The final movement is marked "Andante con moto," and is the most introspective of the three. The piano plays a simple, repetitive melody while the singer sings of the "cool, gray stones" that surround him. The music gradually becomes more complex and dissonant as the lover's thoughts become more troubled, and the movement ends with a quiet, unresolved chord. Overall, "Now sleeps the crimson petal" is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the intense emotions of Tennyson's poem. Rorem's music is sensitive and expressive, and perfectly complements the text. The song is a testament to Rorem's skill as a composer, and remains a beloved work in the classical vocal repertoire.

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