Composer

:

Ronald Roxbury

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1986

Average_duration

:

6:16

'Songs (2) of Walt Whitman' is a vocal composition by Ronald Roxbury, an American composer born in 1937. The piece was composed in 1976 and premiered the same year in New York City. It consists of two movements, each based on a poem by Walt Whitman. The first movement, titled "I Hear America Singing," is a lively and rhythmic setting of Whitman's poem of the same name. The music is characterized by its use of syncopated rhythms and driving percussion, which evoke the energy and vitality of the American people. The vocal line is declamatory and expressive, with frequent leaps and melodic flourishes that reflect the exuberance of the text. The second movement, titled "When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer," is a more introspective and contemplative setting of Whitman's poem. The music is slower and more lyrical, with a haunting melody that is supported by rich harmonies and delicate piano accompaniment. The vocal line is more restrained and introspective, with a sense of wonder and awe that reflects the speaker's experience of the night sky. Overall, 'Songs (2) of Walt Whitman' is a powerful and evocative work that captures the spirit of Whitman's poetry. Roxbury's use of rhythm, melody, and harmony creates a vivid musical landscape that brings the words to life, and his skillful handling of the vocal line allows the singer to fully express the emotional depth of the text. The piece is a testament to the enduring power of Whitman's poetry and the ability of music to capture its essence.

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