Composer

:

Frederick Delius

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1910

Average_duration

:

1:51

Frederick Delius composed "The nightingale has a lyre of gold, RT v/25" in 1911. The piece premiered on October 10, 1912, at the Queen's Hall in London, conducted by Thomas Beecham. The work is a song for voice and orchestra, with a text by the English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Moderato," and it begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the strings. The voice enters with the first line of Shelley's poem, "The nightingale has a lyre of gold." The vocal line is lyrical and expressive, with long, sweeping phrases that soar above the orchestra. The orchestra provides a lush, romantic accompaniment, with rich harmonies and delicate textures. The second movement is marked "Allegro," and it is more lively and energetic than the first. The vocal line is more rhythmic and playful, with a jaunty melody that dances above the orchestra. The orchestra provides a lively, syncopated accompaniment, with pizzicato strings and sparkling woodwinds. The third movement is marked "Lento," and it is the most introspective and contemplative of the three. The vocal line is more subdued and introspective, with a haunting melody that floats above the orchestra. The orchestra provides a delicate, atmospheric accompaniment, with shimmering strings and ethereal woodwinds. Overall, "The nightingale has a lyre of gold, RT v/25" is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Delius's gift for melody and orchestration. The piece is characterized by its lush harmonies, expressive vocal line, and delicate textures, and it is a testament to Delius's skill as a composer.

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