Composer

:

Jake Heggie

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

2011

First Performance

:

March 6, 2011

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

The Breaking Waves is a song cycle composed by Jake Heggie, with lyrics by Gene Scheer. It was composed in 2011 and premiered on March 26, 2012, at the Weill Recital Hall in New York City. The song cycle consists of eight movements, each of which is based on a poem by Scheer. The first movement, "The Breaking Waves," sets the tone for the entire cycle. It is a haunting and melancholic piece that captures the feeling of being lost at sea. The second movement, "The Sea," is a more upbeat and lively piece that celebrates the beauty and power of the ocean. The third movement, "The Waves," is a gentle and introspective piece that reflects on the ebb and flow of life. The fourth movement, "The Sea Witch," is a dark and foreboding piece that tells the story of a witch who lures sailors to their doom. The fifth movement, "The Sea Is History," is a powerful and emotional piece that reflects on the history of slavery and the African diaspora. The sixth movement, "The Ocean's Role," is a contemplative piece that explores the role of the ocean in shaping human history. The seventh movement, "The Sea of Glass," is a serene and peaceful piece that reflects on the beauty and tranquility of the ocean. The final movement, "The Mystic Trumpeter," is a triumphant and uplifting piece that celebrates the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. Overall, The Breaking Waves is a powerful and emotional song cycle that explores the many facets of the ocean and its impact on human life. Heggie's music is both beautiful and haunting, and Scheer's lyrics are deeply moving and thought-provoking. The cycle is a testament to the power of music to capture the essence of the human experience and to inspire us to reflect on our place in the world.

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