Composer

:

Gerald Finzi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1928 - 1932

Average_duration

:

2:16

"When I set out for Lyonnesse" is a song composed by Gerald Finzi in 1926. It is based on a poem by Thomas Hardy, which tells the story of a man who sets out on a journey to find the lost city of Lyonnesse, which is said to have sunk beneath the sea. The song was premiered in 1927 and is part of Finzi's song cycle, "Earth and Air and Rain." The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and contemplative, with a mournful melody that reflects the sadness of the man's journey. The second movement is faster and more energetic, with a lively rhythm that suggests the excitement of the search. The third movement is slower and more reflective, with a haunting melody that captures the sense of loss and longing that the man feels as he realizes that Lyonnesse is gone forever. Finzi's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and sensitive use of text. In "When I set out for Lyonnesse," he uses these elements to create a powerful emotional impact, capturing the sense of loss and longing that Hardy's poem conveys. The song is a testament to Finzi's skill as a composer and his ability to bring poetry to life through music.

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