Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1963

Average_duration

:

1:56

'Far-Far-Away' is a song cycle composed by Ned Rorem in 1961. 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 12, 1962. The cycle consists of five songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, "The Nightingale," is a delicate and lyrical piece that captures the beauty and fragility of the bird's song. The second song, "The Serpent," is a more dramatic and intense piece that explores the darker side of nature. The third song, "The Swallow," is a lively and playful piece that captures the bird's flight and movement. The fourth song, "The Bat," is a haunting and mysterious piece that explores the nocturnal world of the creature. The final song, "The Owl," is a somber and reflective piece that captures the wisdom and mystery of the bird. Throughout the cycle, Rorem's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and evocative use of musical imagery. The vocal writing is particularly notable for its sensitivity to the text, with Rorem's music perfectly capturing the mood and meaning of each poem. Overall, 'Far-Far-Away' is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Rorem's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of nature in music.

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