Composer

:

Morton Feldman

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1951

Average_duration

:

3:12

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Morton Feldman's 'Four Songs to e. e. cummings' is a composition for soprano and piano, composed in 1951. The piece was premiered in New York City in 1952, with soprano Joan Sprung and pianist David Tudor performing. The composition consists of four movements, each setting a poem by the American poet e. e. cummings. The first movement, "i sing of Olaf glad and big," is a playful and rhythmic setting of a poem about a rebellious soldier. The second movement, "in Just-" is a delicate and whimsical setting of a poem about the arrival of spring. The third movement, "O sweet spontaneous," is a slow and contemplative setting of a poem about the beauty of nature. The final movement, "if there are any heavens," is a haunting and ethereal setting of a poem about the afterlife. Feldman's composition is characterized by its sparse and delicate textures, with the piano providing a gentle accompaniment to the soprano's singing. The vocal line is often fragmented and disjointed, with the soprano singing short phrases that are repeated and varied throughout each movement. The piano part is similarly spare, with simple chords and occasional melodic fragments that provide a subtle harmonic backdrop to the vocal line. Overall, 'Four Songs to e. e. cummings' is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Feldman's unique approach to composition. Through his use of sparse textures and delicate melodies, he creates a dreamlike atmosphere that perfectly complements the poetry of e. e. cummings.

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