Composer

:

Percy Grainger

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1904 - 1912

Average_duration

:

3:24

'Lord Maxwell's Goodnight' is a beautiful and haunting composition for baritone and string orchestra, composed by Percy Grainger in 1902. The piece is based on a traditional Scottish folk song, which tells the story of a young woman bidding farewell to her lover, Lord Maxwell, as he goes off to fight in a battle. The composition is known for its melancholic and mournful tone, which perfectly captures the sadness and longing of the song's lyrics. The piece is composed of three movements, each of which is characterized by a different mood and tempo. The first movement, marked "Lento," is slow and mournful, with the baritone singing the opening lines of the song in a gentle and melancholic tone. The strings provide a soft and delicate accompaniment, which gradually builds in intensity as the movement progresses. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is faster and more energetic, with the strings taking center stage and the baritone singing in a more forceful and passionate manner. The movement is characterized by its lively rhythms and playful melodies, which provide a stark contrast to the mournful tone of the first movement. The final movement, marked "Lento," returns to the slow and mournful mood of the opening movement. The baritone sings the final verses of the song in a gentle and tender manner, accompanied by the strings in a soft and delicate manner. The movement ends with a quiet and peaceful coda, which brings the piece to a gentle and poignant close. 'Lord Maxwell's Goodnight' premiered in 1902, and quickly became one of Grainger's most popular compositions. The piece is known for its beautiful melodies, lush harmonies, and evocative use of orchestration. It is a testament to Grainger's skill as a composer, and his ability to capture the emotional depth and complexity of traditional folk music.

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