In Haven

In Haven (Capri) is a poem by the British poet, (Caroline) Alice Elgar (1848 - 1920). The poem is probably best known by its musical setting as the second song (and shortest) of "Sea Pictures" composed by Edward Elgar (1857 - 1934), the poet's husband. The poem was originally written as "Lute Song" and Alice Elgar adapted it for the song cycle.

History

Elgar originally set the poem to music for voice and piano in 1897. It was published in a cultural magazine "The Dome" in 1898, with the title "Love alone will stay" (Lute Song). The verses were then in a different order and the words were slightly different from those that became incorporated into the song cycle.

Lyrics

Elgar's setting

In the third verse, violins are added to the vocal line. It concludes with an upward scale on the violins and a "pizzicato" on the lower strings. [Beales, Brendan "Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Concert Programme" for performance at the Royal Albert Hall 6 April 2008]

Recordings

As well as the recordings listed in the "Sea Pictures" article, "In Haven" has been recorded by Robert Meadmore. [ [http://www.robertmeadmore.com/music.html "After A Dream"] ]

References