Composer

:

Ricky Ian Gordon

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1985

Average_duration

:

1:40

"Poem" is a song cycle composed by Ricky Ian Gordon, an American composer known for his vocal music. The cycle was composed in 2002 and premiered on October 20th of the same year at the Merkin Concert Hall in New York City. The cycle consists of 21 songs, each of which sets a poem by a different poet. The songs in "Poem" are divided into three movements, each of which explores a different theme. The first movement, titled "Love," consists of seven songs that explore the many facets of love, from the joy of falling in love to the pain of heartbreak. The second movement, titled "Loss," consists of eight songs that deal with the theme of loss, including the loss of a loved one and the loss of innocence. The final movement, titled "Life," consists of six songs that celebrate the beauty and complexity of life. One of the characteristics of "Poem" is its use of a wide range of musical styles. Gordon's music draws on a variety of influences, including classical music, jazz, and musical theater. The songs in "Poem" are also notable for their emotional depth and sensitivity. Gordon's music is often described as being deeply personal, and many of the songs in "Poem" deal with themes that are close to the composer's heart. Another characteristic of "Poem" is its use of a variety of vocal techniques. The songs in the cycle require a versatile singer who can handle a wide range of vocal styles, from belting out a show tune to singing a delicate art song. The cycle also features a number of challenging vocal passages, including intricate melodic lines and complex harmonies. Overall, "Poem" is a powerful and moving song cycle that showcases Ricky Ian Gordon's talent as a composer and his ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and musically sophisticated. The cycle has been performed by many of the world's leading singers and has become a beloved work in the vocal repertoire.

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