Composer

:

Robert Beaser

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1979

Average_duration

:

17:21

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Robert Beaser's 'The Seven Deadly Sins' is a song cycle for voice and piano that was composed in 1984. The premiere of the work took place on March 17, 1985, at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. The cycle consists of seven movements, each of which is based on one of the seven deadly sins: pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, gluttony, and lust. The first movement, 'Pride,' is characterized by its bold and confident melody, which is accompanied by a driving piano part. The second movement, 'Envy,' is more subdued, with a haunting melody that is accompanied by a sparse and delicate piano part. The third movement, 'Anger,' is the most intense of the cycle, with a frenzied piano part that underscores the singer's impassioned delivery. The fourth movement, 'Sloth,' is characterized by its slow and languid melody, which is accompanied by a gentle and dreamy piano part. The fifth movement, 'Greed,' is more upbeat, with a lively and energetic melody that is accompanied by a playful piano part. The sixth movement, 'Gluttony,' is characterized by its rhythmic complexity, with a syncopated melody that is accompanied by a driving and percussive piano part. The final movement, 'Lust,' is the most sensual of the cycle, with a sultry and seductive melody that is accompanied by a lush and romantic piano part. Throughout the cycle, Beaser's music is characterized by its expressive melodies, rich harmonies, and virtuosic piano writing. The cycle is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and it remains a popular and frequently performed work in the repertoire of contemporary art song.

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