Daylight in Music: Compositions Evoking the Brightness and Vividness of Morning and Afternoon

From the profound silences of Nocturnes to the vibrant and bustling tunes of day, musicians have created compositions that capture the essence of different times of the day. While nocturnes are often evocative of the night, there are equally compelling compositions dedicated to the day. In this article, we will explore several musical pieces that celebrate the morning and afternoon, highlighting works that capture the moods and energy of these periods.

Morning Compositions

The Mattinata, a term for a composition dedicated to the morning, is an Italian example. Leoncavallo's Mattinata is a well-known composition within the tenor repertoire, featuring a bright and enthusiastic melody that reflects the early morning. Another example is Chanson de Matin by Edward Elgar, an orchestral piece that captures the serene but invigorating mood of the morning. The most iconic example of a morning song, however, is Morning from Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg, which is widely recognized for its playful and nostalgic atmosphere.

Aubade: Dawn Serenades and Afternoon Compositions

Another term that is used to describe morning compositions is Aubade, which is a type of serenade associated with dawn. One such example is Aubade by Benjamin Britten, a piece that celebrates the morning rays and the new day. The term Aubade is also used in poetry to evoke a romantic or poetic mood of the morning. Similarly, Alborada del Gracioso by Maurice Ravel is a piano piece that later became an orchestrated work, capturing the playful essence of the morning light.

Afternoon Music: Energy and Vibrancy

While the morning is often associated with serenity and new beginnings, the afternoon brings a different kind of energy and vibrancy. Compositions dedicated to the afternoon can capture the buzzing of daily life as well as the serene beauty of the midday sun. A notable afternoon composition is L'Afternoon of a Faun (referred to in the original language as L'Après-midi d'un faune) by Claude Debussy, which paints a vivid picture of the imagination with soft and minimalistic melodies.

Spatial and Industrial Sonic Landscapes

Music can also be used to evoke the atmosphere of industrial and working environments. The Symphony of Factory Sirens by Arvo P?rt, originally A. Avraamov's work, is a powerful piece that captures the vibrant and rhythmic essence of a working day in factories and artels (cooperatives). This symphony uses the sound of factory sirens to create an energetic and dynamic soundscape, reflecting the industrious spirit of the working population.

Conclusion

Through the compositions of Leoncavallo, Elgar, Grieg, Ravel, Britten, and Debussy, we can witness the diversity and beauty of musical representations of different times in the day. From the serenity of the Mattinata and Chanson de Matin to the playfulness of Aubade and the vibrant energy of L'Après-midi d'un faune, these pieces offer a rich tapestry of emotional and sensory experiences. Whether it's the freshness of the morning or the vitality of the afternoon, music has the power to encapsulate the essence of the time.