Composer

:

Lee Hoiby

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1986

Average_duration

:

2:33

'What if…' is a song cycle composed by Lee Hoiby, an American composer known for his vocal music. The cycle was composed in 1972 and premiered the same year at the Juilliard School in New York City. It consists of six movements, each based on a different poem by the American poet e.e. cummings. The first movement, "what if a much of a which of a wind," is a playful and whimsical setting of cummings' poem about the power of the wind. Hoiby's music captures the swirling, gusting nature of the wind with lively rhythms and unexpected harmonies. The second movement, "if everything happens that can't be done," is a more introspective setting of cummings' poem about the unpredictability of life. Hoiby's music is more subdued here, with a gentle, flowing melody that reflects the poem's contemplative mood. The third movement, "since feeling is first," is a passionate and intense setting of cummings' poem about the importance of emotion. Hoiby's music is full of soaring melodies and lush harmonies that capture the poem's sense of urgency and intensity. The fourth movement, "anyone lived in a pretty how town," is a haunting and melancholy setting of cummings' poem about the passage of time. Hoiby's music is spare and atmospheric, with a haunting melody that captures the poem's sense of loss and nostalgia. The fifth movement, "in Just-," is a playful and whimsical setting of cummings' poem about the arrival of spring. Hoiby's music is full of lively rhythms and unexpected harmonies that capture the poem's sense of joy and renewal. The final movement, "somewhere i have never travelled," is a tender and romantic setting of cummings' poem about love. Hoiby's music is full of lush harmonies and soaring melodies that capture the poem's sense of wonder and awe. Overall, 'What if…' is a beautiful and varied song cycle that showcases Hoiby's skill as a composer and his deep understanding of cummings' poetry. Each movement is unique and memorable, and together they form a powerful and moving work of art.

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