Composer

:

Thomas Pasatieri

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

8:03

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

"Poems (3) by James Agee" is a song cycle composed by Thomas Pasatieri, an American composer known for his operas, songs, and film scores. The cycle consists of three songs, each based on a poem by James Agee, an American writer and poet. The poems are "Sure on this shining night," "The runner," and "Praise the Lord! O heavens, adore him." The cycle was composed in 1975 and premiered the same year at the Juilliard School in New York City. The premiere was performed by soprano Phyllis Bryn-Julson and pianist Gilbert Kalish. Since then, the cycle has been performed by various singers and pianists in concerts and recitals. The first song, "Sure on this shining night," is a romantic and lyrical poem that celebrates the beauty of the night and the joy of being alive. Pasatieri's setting of the poem is lush and expressive, with soaring melodies and rich harmonies that capture the poem's sense of wonder and awe. The second song, "The runner," is a more dramatic and intense poem that tells the story of a runner who is determined to win a race despite the odds against him. Pasatieri's setting of the poem is rhythmic and energetic, with driving piano accompaniment and angular vocal lines that convey the runner's sense of urgency and determination. The third and final song, "Praise the Lord! O heavens, adore him," is a hymn-like poem that celebrates the glory and majesty of God. Pasatieri's setting of the poem is grand and majestic, with sweeping piano chords and soaring vocal lines that convey the poem's sense of awe and reverence. Overall, "Poems (3) by James Agee" is a beautiful and expressive song cycle that showcases Pasatieri's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of Agee's poetry. The cycle is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and music to inspire and move us.

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