Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1955

Average_duration

:

1:50

'Early in the Morning' is a song cycle composed by Ned Rorem in 1967. The premiere of the work was given by soprano Phyllis Curtin and pianist John Wustman at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on October 23, 1967. The cycle consists of eight songs, each of which sets a poem by a different American poet. The first song, "Love", sets a poem by Robert Creeley and features a simple, flowing melody that is repeated throughout the song. The second song, "The Serpent", sets a poem by Theodore Roethke and features a more complex, angular melody that reflects the poem's dark and mysterious imagery. The third song, "The Dance", sets a poem by William Carlos Williams and features a lively, syncopated rhythm that captures the energy and excitement of the dance described in the poem. The fourth song, "A Birthday", sets a poem by Christina Rossetti and features a gentle, lilting melody that conveys the joy and celebration of the occasion. The fifth song, "Rain in Spring", sets a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay and features a delicate, shimmering piano accompaniment that evokes the gentle patter of raindrops. The sixth song, "The Pond", sets a poem by Donald Justice and features a haunting, introspective melody that reflects the poem's contemplative mood. The seventh song, "Song", sets a poem by Frank O'Hara and features a lively, jazzy melody that captures the playful and irreverent spirit of the poem. The final song, "Early in the Morning", sets a poem by Robert Hillyer and features a simple, hymn-like melody that conveys a sense of peace and serenity. Overall, 'Early in the Morning' is characterized by Rorem's sensitive and expressive settings of the various poems, which range from playful and lighthearted to introspective and contemplative. The cycle is a testament to Rorem's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of each poem in his music.

More....