Composer

:

Gerald Finzi

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

13:55

Movement_count

:

6

Movement ....

To a Poet, Op. 13a is a song cycle composed by Gerald Finzi in 1938. The work is based on five poems by Thomas Hardy and was premiered in 1942. The cycle is divided into five movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and musical style. The first movement, "The Comet at Yell'ham," is a lively and energetic piece that captures the excitement of a comet passing over the village of Yell'ham. The music is full of bright, sparkling melodies and rhythmic vitality. The second movement, "Shortening Days," is a more introspective piece that reflects on the passing of time and the approach of winter. The music is slower and more contemplative, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that captures the melancholy mood of the poem. The third movement, "The Sigh," is a tender and romantic piece that expresses the longing of a lover for his beloved. The music is gentle and lyrical, with a soaring melody that captures the passion and intensity of the poem. The fourth movement, "Former Beauties," is a nostalgic piece that reflects on the passing of youth and beauty. The music is wistful and melancholy, with a hauntingly beautiful melody that captures the bittersweet mood of the poem. The final movement, "To Lizbie Browne," is a joyful and celebratory piece that expresses the happiness of a lover who has found his true love. The music is lively and exuberant, with a joyful melody that captures the exultant mood of the poem. Overall, To a Poet, Op. 13a is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases Finzi's skill as a composer. The music is full of rich melodies, lush harmonies, and expressive textures that bring the poems to life. The cycle is a testament to Finzi's love of poetry and his ability to capture the essence of a poem in music.

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