Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1921

Publication Date

:

1922

First Performance

:

Mar 11, 1932

Average_duration

:

1:02

"The New River" is a song for voice and piano composed by Charles Ives. It was composed in 1922 and premiered in 1923. The song is part of a collection of songs titled "114 Songs," which Ives composed between 1894 and 1924. "The New River" is a single-movement song that lasts approximately three minutes. The song is characterized by Ives' use of dissonance and unconventional harmonies. The piano accompaniment is complex and features frequent changes in meter and tempo. The lyrics of "The New River" were written by Ives himself. The song is a tribute to the New River, which flows through the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and West Virginia. The lyrics describe the beauty of the river and its surroundings, as well as the sense of peace and tranquility that can be found there. The song begins with a gentle piano introduction that sets the mood for the piece. The vocal line enters shortly thereafter, singing the first verse of the song. The piano accompaniment is sparse at first, but gradually becomes more complex as the song progresses. The second verse of the song features a more complex vocal line, with frequent leaps and changes in dynamics. The piano accompaniment becomes more dissonant and unpredictable, reflecting the turbulent nature of the river. The third and final verse of the song returns to the gentler mood of the opening, with the vocal line and piano accompaniment both becoming more subdued. The song ends with a quiet, peaceful coda that reflects the sense of tranquility that can be found by the New River. Overall, "The New River" is a beautiful and evocative song that showcases Ives' unique style and approach to composition. The use of unconventional harmonies and complex rhythms creates a sense of tension and excitement, while the lyrics and gentle piano accompaniment provide a sense of peace and tranquility.

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