Sea Pictures

Sea Pictures

Sea Pictures, Op. 37 is a song cycle by Sir Edward Elgar consisting of five songs written by various poets. It was set for contralto and orchestra, though a distinct version for piano was often performed by Elgar. Many mezzo-sopranos have sung the piece.

The songs are:

  • "Sea Slumber Song" by Roden Noel
  • "In Haven (Capri)" by Caroline Alice Elgar, the composer's wife
  • "Sabbath Morning at Sea" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
  • "Where Corals Lie" by Richard Garnett
  • "The Swimmer" by Adam Lindsay Gordon

Much of the vocal line of the first song, "Sea Slumber Song," is heard again in other parts of the cycle; most notably, the second stanza is heard again almost in its entirety as part of the finale.

Read more about Sea Pictures:  History, Recordings, Further Reading

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