Sea Pictures Op. 37 Conductor Score: Traditional Keys for Mezzo-Soprano or Contralto

Edward Elgar's Sea Pictures, Op. 37, is a set of five songs for mezzo-soprano or contralto with piano or orchestral accompaniment. The texts of the songs are taken from various poems by British poets, and the music evokes the beauty and mystery of the sea. Sea Pictures was first performed in 1899, and it has since become one of Elgar's most popular orchestral works.

The Songs

The five songs in Sea Pictures are:

Sea Pictures (Op. 37) Conductor Score (Traditional keys for Mezzo-soprano / Contralto)

by James Major

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
Paperback	:	38 pages
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.09 x 11 inches
File size	:	2208 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	63 pages

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1. Sea Slumber Song (text by Roden Noel)
2. In Haven (Capri) (text by Caroline Alice Elgar)
3. Sabbath Morning at Sea (text by Elizabeth Barrett Browning)
4. Where Corals Lie (text by Richard Garnett)
5. The Swimmer (text by Adam Lindsay Gordon)

The songs are all in different keys, and they each have a unique character. Sea Slumber Song is a gentle and lulling lullaby, while In Haven (Capri) is a more passionate and intense love song. Sabbath Morning at Sea is a peaceful and reflective meditation, Where Corals Lie is a mysterious and exotic reverie, and The Swimmer is a dramatic and powerful ballad.

The Music

Elgar's music for Sea Pictures is lush and evocative. The orchestra is used to create a rich and colorful soundscape, and the vocal lines are soaring and expressive. The piano accompaniment is also important, and it provides a delicate and supportive foundation for the voice.

The overall effect of Sea Pictures is one of great beauty and emotional power. The songs are a testament to Elgar's genius as a composer, and they continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

The Conductor's Score

The conductor's score for Sea Pictures is a valuable resource for conductors who are preparing to perform the work. The score contains all of the music for the orchestra and the voice, as well as detailed instructions on how to conduct the piece. The score also includes helpful annotations by Elgar, which provide insights into his compositional process.

The conductor's score for Sea Pictures is available from a variety of publishers. It is an essential tool for any conductor who is interested in performing this beautiful and evocative work.

The Traditional Keys

The traditional keys for Sea Pictures are:

• Sea Slumber Song: A-flat major
• In Haven (Capri): F major
• Sabbath Morning at Sea: D major
• Where Corals Lie: B minor
• The Swimmer: C major

These keys were chosen by Elgar for their expressive qualities. The key of A-flat major is well-suited for the gentle and lulling nature of Sea Slumber Song, while the key of F major provides a more intense and passionate atmosphere for In Haven (Capri). The key of D major is a peaceful and reflective key, which is appropriate for Sabbath Morning at Sea. The key of B minor is a mysterious and exotic key, which creates a sense of wonder and awe in Where Corals Lie. The key of C major is a dramatic and powerful key, which is ideal for the climax of the work, The Swimmer.

The Mezzo-Soprano or Contralto Voice

Sea Pictures is written for a mezzo-soprano or contralto voice. The mezzo-soprano voice is a medium-range voice that is typically characterized by its warmth and richness. The contralto voice is a lower-range voice that is often described as being dark and velvety.

Both mezzo-soprano and contralto voices are well-suited for the songs in Sea Pictures. The mezzo-soprano voice can bring out the beauty and lyricism of the songs, while the contralto voice can add a sense of depth and power.

Sea Pictures is a beautiful and evocative work that is a testament to Elgar's genius as a composer. The songs are full of rich and expressive music, and they continue to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world. The conductor's score for Sea Pictures is a valuable resource for conductors who are preparing to perform the work, and the traditional keys for the songs were chosen by Elgar for their expressive qualities.

Sea Pictures (Op. 37) Conductor Score (Traditional keys for Mezzo-soprano / Contralto)

by James Major

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
Paperback	:	38 pages
Item Weight	:	4 ounces
Dimensions	:	8.5 x 0.09 x 11 inches
File size	:	2208 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Lending	:	Enabled
Print length	:	63 pages

FREE