Composer

:

Lee Hoiby

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1988

Average_duration

:

15:07

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

"I Was There: Five Songs on Poems by Walt Whitman" is a song cycle composed by Lee Hoiby in 1984. The premiere of the work was given by baritone William Parker and pianist Warren Jones at the 92nd Street Y in New York City on March 19, 1985. The cycle consists of five songs, each set to a poem by Walt Whitman. The first song, "I Was There," is a contemplative piece that reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The second song, "The Runner," is a lively and rhythmic piece that celebrates the joy of running and the freedom it brings. The third song, "The Last Invocation," is a haunting and introspective piece that explores the themes of mortality and the afterlife. The fourth song, "The Mystic Trumpeter," is a dramatic and powerful piece that tells the story of a mystical trumpeter who calls forth the souls of the dead. The final song, "A Clear Midnight," is a peaceful and reflective piece that celebrates the beauty of nature and the tranquility it brings. The music of "I Was There" is characterized by Hoiby's lyrical and expressive style, which is well-suited to the poetry of Walt Whitman. The songs are primarily written in a tonal idiom, with occasional dissonances and chromaticism used for expressive effect. The piano accompaniment is often virtuosic and provides a rich harmonic and rhythmic foundation for the vocal line. Overall, "I Was There: Five Songs on Poems by Walt Whitman" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Hoiby's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of the poetry of Walt Whitman. It is a testament to the enduring power of Whitman's words and the ability of music to bring them to life.

More....