Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1954

Average_duration

:

2:07

"Youth, Day, Old Age, and Night" is a song cycle composed by Ned Rorem in 1963. The premiere of the work was given by soprano Phyllis Curtin and pianist John Wustman at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on April 23, 1963. The cycle consists of four movements, each of which sets a poem by a different author. The first movement, "Youth," sets a poem by Samuel Beckett and is characterized by its energetic and playful tone. The second movement, "Day," sets a poem by Paul Goodman and is more contemplative in nature, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The third movement, "Old Age," sets a poem by Robert Lowell and is marked by its somber and reflective tone. The final movement, "Night," sets a poem by Frank O'Hara and is characterized by its dreamlike quality and sense of mystery. Rorem's setting of the texts is highly expressive, with a wide range of dynamics and tempos. The vocal line is often lyrical and melodic, while the piano accompaniment is rich and complex, with frequent use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. The overall effect is one of emotional depth and complexity, with each movement exploring a different aspect of the human experience. "Youth, Day, Old Age, and Night" is considered one of Rorem's most important works and has been widely performed and recorded by many of the world's leading singers and pianists. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and powerful emotional impact.

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