Thanatopsis, Op. 4

Kissin's opus 4 is an expressive setting of William Cullen Bryant's best-known poem. Cullen, although most recognized for his journalistic work with the New York Evening Post, was also a poet of notable regard in his lifetime and is known as the founder of 19th-century American romantic poetry. Thanatopsis (A Consideration of Death) was published in the form known today in 1821 and is set by pianist and composer Kissin. The setting is a large vocal scene (singstimme) for female voice and piano that is largely recitative, which allows the mood of the text to be perceived. This urtext edition includes German and French translations of the poem and an informative afterword about Bryant's life and work.