Composer

:

John Alden Carpenter

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1909

Average_duration

:

2:24

'Looking-Glass River for voice & piano' is a song composed by John Alden Carpenter, an American composer, in 1917. The song was premiered in the same year in New York City. It is a part of Carpenter's song cycle titled 'Gitanjali', which is based on the poems of Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali poet and philosopher. The song has three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and tempo. The first movement, marked 'Moderato', is a gentle and flowing melody that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second movement, marked 'Allegro', is more lively and rhythmic, with a playful and whimsical character. The final movement, marked 'Andante', is a slow and contemplative melody that brings the song to a peaceful and reflective conclusion. The characteristics of 'Looking-Glass River for voice & piano' are typical of Carpenter's style, which is characterized by a blend of traditional European classical music with American folk and jazz influences. The song features a lyrical and expressive vocal line, accompanied by a rich and harmonically complex piano part. The use of syncopated rhythms and bluesy harmonies gives the song a distinctly American flavor, while the overall structure and form are firmly rooted in the European classical tradition. Overall, 'Looking-Glass River for voice & piano' is a beautiful and evocative song that showcases Carpenter's unique musical voice. Its combination of traditional and modern elements makes it a timeless work that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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