Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1937

Average_duration

:

13:41

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

On this Island, Op. 11 is a song cycle composed by Benjamin Britten in 1937. The premiere of the work was given by the tenor Peter Pears and the composer himself at the Wigmore Hall in London on 11th October 1937. The cycle consists of five songs, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first song, "Let the Florid Music Praise!", is a lively and energetic setting of a poem by W.H. Auden. The music is full of rhythmic vitality and features a driving piano accompaniment. The second song, "Now the Leaves are Falling Fast", is a more introspective piece, with a haunting melody and a sense of melancholy. The third song, "Seascape", is a beautiful setting of a poem by W.H. Auden. The music captures the ebb and flow of the sea, with gentle undulating rhythms and a sense of calm. The fourth song, "As it is, plenty", is a playful and witty setting of a poem by Auden. The music is full of quirky rhythms and unexpected harmonies. The final song, "On this Island", is a powerful and dramatic setting of a poem by Louis MacNeice. The music is full of contrasts, with moments of intense drama and moments of quiet reflection. The piano accompaniment is particularly striking, with its driving rhythms and dissonant harmonies. Overall, On this Island, Op. 11 is a highly expressive and varied song cycle, showcasing Britten's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the mood and meaning of the texts he sets. The cycle is a testament to Britten's deep understanding of the human voice and his ability to create music that is both challenging and rewarding for singers and audiences alike.

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