Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1801

Average_duration

:

1:43

"Polwarth on the Green" is a Scottish folk song arranged by Franz Joseph Haydn for voice and piano. The composition is also known as "The Lass of Peatie's Mill" and is cataloged as H. 31a/265. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written in the late 1790s. The piece premiered in London in 1799, where it was performed by the famous Scottish singer, John Braham. The song quickly became popular and was frequently performed in concerts and salons throughout Europe. The composition consists of a single movement and is characterized by its simple, folk-like melody and Haydn's skillful use of harmony and counterpoint. The piano accompaniment is relatively simple, providing a gentle, flowing backdrop for the vocal line. The song tells the story of a young woman who falls in love with a man from Polwarth, a village in the Scottish Borders. Despite the objections of her family, she decides to marry him and move to Polwarth. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and capture the beauty and romance of the Scottish countryside. Overall, "Polwarth on the Green" is a charming and delightful composition that showcases Haydn's ability to transform a simple folk melody into a sophisticated art song. Its popularity has endured for over two centuries, and it remains a beloved piece in the repertoire of Scottish folk music.

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