Composer: Bridge, Frank
Dates: 1879-1941
Song title: Dawn and evening
Opus, no., etc.: Nr.1
Music collection title: Four Lyrics
Imprint(s): London: Boosey & Co., 1916
Analysis: Both strophes consist of four short 3-measure phrases, the third phrase echoing the first a third higher. The melodic outline in the first strophe reflects the meaning of text well, especially the rising second phrase ("cometh she today?") and the falling fourth phrase ("Ah, but not today"), the relative agitation felt in the syncopated entrances of both. The second stanza works a little less well, but nothing jars. Accompanimentally, the three-measure piano introduction is repeated between strophes and at end, with another 3 measures perdendosi added to postlude. The accented middle-register motive of a slowly rising and falling non-chordal half-step (f-e-f) over a G minor pedal persists through much of song. There are no common chords except at cadences, but many chords with added sixths or sevenths, and much shifting back and forth over static lower "pedal" chords.
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Copyright © 2000, Peter W. Shea