Composer

:

George Crumb

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song Cycle

Compose Date

:

1970

Average_duration

:

24:54

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

George Crumb's "Ancient Voices of Children" is a song cycle for soprano, boy soprano, oboe, mandolin, harp, amplified piano, and percussion. It was composed in 1970 and premiered on May 5, 1971, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The work is based on the poetry of Federico García Lorca, a Spanish poet who was assassinated during the Spanish Civil War. The cycle consists of five movements, each of which is based on a different poem by Lorca. The first movement, "El niño busca su voz" (The Child Searches for His Voice), features the boy soprano singing a haunting melody while the other instruments create a dreamlike atmosphere. The second movement, "Danza de la muerte" (Dance of Death), is a frenzied dance that builds to a chaotic climax. The third movement, "El arco iris" (The Rainbow), is a delicate and ethereal piece that features the soprano singing in a high register. The fourth movement, "Canción de cuna para dormir a un negrito" (Lullaby for a Black Baby), is a haunting lullaby that features the oboe and mandolin playing a simple melody while the soprano sings in a hushed voice. The final movement, "Canción de jinete" (Song of the Horseman), is a powerful and dramatic piece that features the soprano singing in a forceful and passionate manner. The percussion instruments create a driving rhythm that propels the music forward, while the other instruments create a sense of urgency and tension. Overall, "Ancient Voices of Children" is a haunting and evocative work that showcases Crumb's unique style of composition. The use of unconventional instruments, such as the mandolin and amplified piano, creates a distinctive sound that is both otherworldly and deeply emotional. The work is a testament to the power of Lorca's poetry and the enduring legacy of his work.

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