Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1953

Average_duration

:

1:49

'Love' is a song cycle composed by Ned Rorem in 1960. It was premiered on January 17, 1961, at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., by soprano Phyllis Curtin and pianist John Wustman. The cycle consists of eight songs, each of which explores a different aspect of love. The first song, "Love," sets the tone for the cycle with its gentle, flowing melody and simple, yet profound lyrics. The second song, "To a Young Girl," is a playful and flirtatious piece that captures the excitement and anticipation of young love. The third song, "Such Beauty As Hurts to Behold," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that explores the pain and longing that often accompany love. The fourth song, "Amor," is a lively and rhythmic piece that draws on Spanish influences to create a passionate and fiery atmosphere. The fifth song, "The Serpent," is a dark and brooding piece that explores the darker side of love, with its themes of jealousy and betrayal. The sixth song, "For Poulenc," is a tribute to the French composer Francis Poulenc, and features a light and playful melody that captures the joy and whimsy of love. The seventh song, "The End," is a somber and reflective piece that explores the pain of lost love and the inevitability of endings. The final song, "To a Young Girl," is a reprise of the second song, but with a more mature and reflective tone. Overall, 'Love' is a deeply emotional and introspective cycle that explores the many facets of love, from its joyous beginnings to its painful endings. Rorem's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and sensitive treatment of the text, making it a beloved work in the art song repertoire.

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