Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Hymn

Compose Date

:

1928

Publication Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

3:48

Ralph Vaughan Williams composed "Wither's Rocking Hymn" in 1928. The piece was premiered on December 19, 1928, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England. The composition is a part of the larger work "Folk Songs of the Four Seasons," which is a collection of songs that Vaughan Williams arranged for choir and orchestra. The piece is a lullaby that tells the story of Mary rocking the baby Jesus to sleep. The melody is based on a traditional English folk song, and Vaughan Williams arranged it for choir and orchestra. The piece is in the key of G major and is written in 4/4 time. The tempo is marked as "Moderato e tranquillo," which means moderately and calmly. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is slow and gentle, with the choir singing the melody in unison. The orchestra provides a soft accompaniment, with the strings playing a simple, repetitive pattern. The second movement is faster and more lively, with the choir singing in harmony. The orchestra provides a more complex accompaniment, with the woodwinds and brass playing a counterpoint to the choir. The third movement returns to the slow and gentle mood of the first movement, with the choir singing the melody in unison once again. The orchestra provides a more complex accompaniment, with the strings playing a more intricate pattern. The characteristics of "Wither's Rocking Hymn" are typical of Vaughan Williams' style. He was known for his use of folk melodies and his interest in English music. The piece is simple and straightforward, with a focus on the melody and the text. The orchestration is also simple, with the emphasis on the choir. The piece is a beautiful example of Vaughan Williams' ability to take a traditional folk song and turn it into a work of art.

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