Composer

:

Ned Rorem

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1989

Average_duration

:

2:22

"Are You the New Person?" is a song cycle composed by Ned Rorem in 1961. The cycle is based on the poetry of Emily Dickinson and consists of eight movements. The premiere of the cycle was given by soprano Phyllis Curtin and pianist John Wustman at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. on October 25, 1961. The first movement, "Are You the New Person Drawn Toward Me?", sets the tone for the cycle with its playful and flirtatious melody. The second movement, "I'm Nobody! Who Are You?", is a well-known Dickinson poem that explores the theme of anonymity and the desire for privacy. Rorem's setting of this poem is simple and understated, with a gentle piano accompaniment that supports the vocal line. The third movement, "I Died for Beauty", is a haunting meditation on the nature of art and the artist's role in society. Rorem's setting of this poem is particularly effective, with its use of dissonant harmonies and sparse piano accompaniment. The fourth movement, "Because I Could Not Stop for Death", is one of Dickinson's most famous poems and explores the theme of mortality. Rorem's setting of this poem is gentle and reflective, with a flowing piano accompaniment that evokes the sense of a journey. The fifth movement, "Wild Nights!", is a passionate and sensual poem that explores the theme of love and desire. Rorem's setting of this poem is appropriately intense, with a driving piano accompaniment that supports the soaring vocal line. The sixth movement, "I Like to See It Lap the Miles", is a playful and whimsical poem that explores the theme of technology and progress. Rorem's setting of this poem is light and airy, with a bouncy piano accompaniment that evokes the sense of a train in motion. The seventh movement, "The Bustle in a House", is a poignant meditation on the theme of grief and loss. Rorem's setting of this poem is spare and haunting, with a simple piano accompaniment that supports the vocal line. The final movement, "This Is My Letter to the World", is a powerful statement on the theme of communication and the artist's role in society. Rorem's setting of this poem is grand and majestic, with a sweeping piano accompaniment that supports the soaring vocal line. Overall, "Are You the New Person?" is a masterful cycle that showcases Rorem's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of Dickinson's poetry. The cycle is characterized by its varied moods and textures, from the playful and flirtatious to the haunting and reflective. Rorem's use of piano accompaniment is particularly effective, with each movement featuring a unique and evocative piano part that supports the vocal line.

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