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Commissioned by Roderick Williams, this characterful trilogy of songs sets poems by John Greening that present a vibrant, modern take on Schubert's song cycles. The first draws on 'Gute nacht' from Der Winterreise, taking inspiration from Captain Scott's perilous expedition to the Antarctic in 1911-12. The second, 'After Ständchen', has an air of darkness and mystery, with icy clusters and ghostly spread chords. The text of the third song alludes to Schubert's 'Mein' from Die schöne Müllerin, and the musical setting is characterized by rapid semiquaver figuration in the piano and a vocal line full of dramatic expression.
This collection of vocal compositions investigates the intersection of Romantic-era song cycles and modern poetic interpretation. Composer Cecilia McDowall utilizes the structural and thematic foundations of Franz Schubert’s work to frame contemporary narratives. By integrating historical references with modern musical techniques, the work argues for the continued relevance of the Lied tradition in a 21st-century context.
What You Will Find
Experts and performers highlight this work as a sophisticated bridge between classical Lieder and contemporary vocal expression. The text is noted for its technical demands on both the vocalist and the pianist, making it a significant addition to modern recital repertoire.
Page Count:
20
Publication Date:
2019-09-19
Publisher:
Oxford University Press Music
ISBN-10:
0193531852
ISBN-13:
9780193531857
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