Composer

:

Charles Ives

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1889

Publication Date

:

1933

First Performance

:

Nov 11, 1888

Average_duration

:

1:57

"At Parting, S. 212" is a composition for voice and piano composed by Charles Ives in 1921. The piece was premiered on March 3, 1922, at the Aeolian Hall in New York City, with the composer's wife, Harmony Ives, as the vocalist. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "The Cage," is a somber and introspective piece that reflects on the inevitability of death and the transience of life. The second movement, "The Last Hour," is a more upbeat and lively piece that celebrates the joys of life and the beauty of nature. The final movement, "At Parting," is a poignant and emotional farewell that expresses the pain of separation and the hope of reunion. Throughout the composition, Ives employs a variety of musical techniques and styles, including dissonance, polytonality, and unconventional harmonies. The vocal line is often fragmented and disjointed, reflecting the fragmented nature of the text and the emotional turmoil of the speaker. The piano accompaniment is similarly complex and challenging, with frequent changes in tempo, meter, and dynamics. Despite its technical challenges, "At Parting" is widely regarded as one of Ives's most beautiful and moving compositions. Its themes of love, loss, and transcendence resonate with audiences to this day, and its innovative musical language continues to inspire composers and performers around the world.

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