Composer

:

Augusta Read Thomas

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1997

Average_duration

:

13:29

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

Augusta Read Thomas' "Love Songs" is a contemporary classical composition for soprano and piano. It was composed in 2006 and premiered on February 14, 2007, by soprano Tony Arnold and pianist Jacob Greenberg at the University of Chicago's Mandel Hall. The piece consists of five movements, each of which sets a different love poem by a different poet. The first movement, "Love Poem" by John Frederick Nims, is a tender and lyrical setting that showcases the soprano's range and expressive abilities. The second movement, "The Kiss" by Sara Teasdale, is more dramatic and passionate, with the piano providing a driving, rhythmic accompaniment. The third movement, "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love" by Christopher Marlowe, is a playful and whimsical setting that captures the pastoral imagery of the poem. The fourth movement, "When You Are Old" by W.B. Yeats, is a haunting and melancholy setting that explores the bittersweet nature of love and memory. The final movement, "Love Is Not All" by Edna St. Vincent Millay, is a powerful and emotional setting that builds to a climactic conclusion. Throughout the piece, Thomas demonstrates her mastery of both vocal and instrumental writing, creating a seamless and evocative musical landscape that perfectly complements the poetry. Overall, "Love Songs" is a beautiful and moving work that showcases Augusta Read Thomas' skill as a composer and her deep understanding of the complexities of love and human emotion.

More....