Composer

:

Leonard Bernstein

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1943

First Performance

:

1943

Average_duration

:

6:54

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

"I Hate Music" is a song cycle composed by Leonard Bernstein in 1943. It premiered on January 22, 1944, at the Town Hall in New York City, with Bernstein himself at the piano and Jennie Tourel as the vocalist. The cycle consists of five songs, each with its own unique character and style. The first song, "My Name is Barbara," is a humorous and satirical piece in which the protagonist, Barbara, declares her hatred for music. She sings about how she would rather be doing anything else than listening to music, including playing with her dolls or eating ice cream. The song is set to a lively and playful melody, with a jazzy piano accompaniment. The second song, "Jupiter Has Seven Moons," is a more serious and contemplative piece. The lyrics describe the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of human existence in comparison. The music is slow and ethereal, with a hauntingly beautiful melody. The third song, "I Hate Music," is a return to the humorous and satirical tone of the first song. The lyrics describe various scenarios in which music is present, such as weddings and funerals, and the protagonist expresses her disdain for all of them. The music is fast-paced and frenetic, with a jazzy piano accompaniment. The fourth song, "A Big Indian and a Little Indian," is a playful and lighthearted piece. The lyrics tell the story of two Native American boys, one big and one small, who go on a hunting trip together. The music is upbeat and cheerful, with a catchy melody and a bouncy piano accompaniment. The final song, "I'm a Person Too," is a poignant and introspective piece. The lyrics describe the loneliness and isolation that can come with being a performer, and the longing for human connection. The music is slow and melancholy, with a hauntingly beautiful melody. Overall, "I Hate Music" is a diverse and engaging song cycle that showcases Bernstein's versatility as a composer. The cycle moves seamlessly between humor and pathos, and between different musical styles and moods. It is a testament to Bernstein's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in music.

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