Composer

:

Ivor Gurney

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1921

Average_duration

:

2:25

"Down by the Salley Gardens" is a song composed by Ivor Gurney, an English poet and composer, in 1916. The song is based on a poem by William Butler Yeats, an Irish poet, and was first published in 1889. The song was premiered in 1920 by the tenor John Goss and the pianist Gerald Moore. The song is composed of two movements, with the first movement being a slow and melancholic introduction, and the second movement being a faster and more lively section. The first movement is characterized by a simple and repetitive piano accompaniment, which creates a sense of longing and sadness. The vocal melody is also simple and understated, with a focus on the lyrics and the emotions they convey. The second movement is more upbeat and energetic, with a more complex piano accompaniment and a more elaborate vocal melody. The lyrics in this section are more optimistic and hopeful, with a sense of renewal and rebirth. The two movements are connected by a short instrumental interlude, which serves as a transition between the two contrasting moods. Overall, "Down by the Salley Gardens" is a beautiful and haunting song that captures the essence of Yeats' poem. Gurney's composition is simple yet effective, with a focus on the emotional content of the lyrics. The song has become a popular choice for singers and has been recorded by many artists over the years.

More....