Composer

:

Howard Blake

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

2:10

'Under the Greenwood Tree' is a choral work composed by Howard Blake in 1968. The piece was premiered in the same year by the choir of Trinity College, Cambridge, conducted by Richard Marlow. The work is divided into three movements, each of which is based on a different text from Shakespeare's plays. The first movement, "Under the Greenwood Tree," is a setting of a song from Act II, Scene V of As You Like It. The music is light and playful, with a lilting rhythm that evokes the carefree spirit of the forest. The choir sings the melody in unison, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint adding depth and texture to the music. The second movement, "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind," is a setting of a song from Act II, Scene VII of the same play. The music is more somber and introspective, reflecting the melancholy mood of the lyrics. The choir sings in four-part harmony, with the lower voices providing a rich foundation for the soaring melodies of the upper voices. The final movement, "When Daisies Pied," is a setting of a song from Act IV, Scene II of Love's Labour's Lost. The music is joyful and exuberant, with a lively tempo and intricate rhythms that showcase the choir's technical skill. The choir sings in six-part harmony, with each voice part contributing to the complex and vibrant texture of the music. Overall, 'Under the Greenwood Tree' is a charming and delightful work that showcases Howard Blake's skill as a composer and his love for Shakespeare's plays. The music is accessible and enjoyable for both performers and audiences, making it a popular choice for choral groups of all levels.

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