Composer

:

Geoffrey Bush

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:57

'Songs (4) from The Hesperides, No. 3, To Electra' is a vocal composition by British composer Geoffrey Bush. The piece was composed in 1955 and premiered in the same year. It is part of a larger song cycle titled 'The Hesperides', which is based on poems by Robert Herrick. The third movement of the cycle, 'To Electra', is a setting of Herrick's poem of the same name. The poem is addressed to Electra, a figure from Greek mythology who was the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. In the poem, Herrick compares Electra's beauty to that of the morning dew and the rose. Bush's setting of the poem is characterized by its lyrical melody and delicate accompaniment. The vocal line is expressive and fluid, with a range of dynamics and phrasing that reflect the poem's imagery. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, with arpeggiated chords and gentle melodic lines that support the vocal line without overpowering it. The overall mood of the piece is one of tenderness and beauty, with a sense of longing and nostalgia that is characteristic of Herrick's poetry. The piece is relatively short, lasting just over two minutes, but it is a masterful example of Bush's skill as a composer of vocal music. Overall, 'Songs (4) from The Hesperides, No. 3, To Electra' is a beautiful and expressive piece of music that showcases both Bush's compositional skill and Herrick's poetic sensibility. Its delicate melody and gentle accompaniment make it a perfect choice for a recital or concert program, and it is sure to delight audiences with its beauty and emotional depth.

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