Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1925

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Ralph Vaughan Williams' 'Songs (3) from Shakespeare' is a collection of three songs for voice and piano, composed in 1951. The songs were premiered on 22nd November 1951 at the Wigmore Hall in London, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. The first song, 'Full Fathom Five', is a setting of Ariel's song from Act I, Scene 2 of Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest'. The song is characterized by its haunting melody and ethereal harmonies, which evoke the mysterious and otherworldly nature of Ariel's character. The piano accompaniment is sparse and delicate, with shimmering arpeggios and gentle chords that create a sense of floating or drifting. The second song, 'The Cloud-Capp'd Towers', is a setting of a speech by Prospero from Act IV, Scene 1 of 'The Tempest'. The song is more dramatic and intense than the first, with a driving rhythm and powerful chords that convey the urgency and passion of Prospero's words. The piano accompaniment is more complex and virtuosic, with rapid arpeggios and cascading runs that add to the sense of energy and motion. The third and final song, 'Over Hill, Over Dale', is a setting of a song from Act II, Scene 1 of Shakespeare's play 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. The song is light and playful, with a bouncy rhythm and cheerful melody that capture the whimsical and mischievous spirit of the play. The piano accompaniment is lively and syncopated, with jazzy chords and syncopated rhythms that add to the sense of fun and frolic. Overall, 'Songs (3) from Shakespeare' is a beautiful and evocative collection of songs that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer and his deep appreciation for Shakespeare's poetry. The songs are characterized by their rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and sensitive piano accompaniments, which work together to create a vivid and compelling musical portrait of Shakespeare's world.

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