Composer

:

William Walton

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:24

"Popular Song" is a composition by British composer William Walton. It was composed in 1931 and premiered on June 17, 1932, at the Queen's Hall in London. The piece is a part of Walton's Façade, a collection of poems by Edith Sitwell set to music. "Popular Song" is the third movement of Façade and is characterized by its lively and upbeat tempo. The piece features a jazzy melody played by the woodwinds and brass, accompanied by a driving rhythm section of percussion and piano. The lyrics, written by Sitwell, are a satirical commentary on popular culture and the media. The movement begins with a fanfare-like introduction, followed by the entrance of the melody played by the woodwinds. The rhythm section then joins in, providing a lively and energetic accompaniment. The lyrics are sung in a spoken-word style, with the vocalist delivering the lines in a rapid-fire manner. The piece is notable for its use of syncopation and jazz-inspired harmonies, which were relatively new to classical music at the time of its composition. Walton's use of these elements helped to establish him as a leading figure in the British classical music scene. Overall, "Popular Song" is a lively and entertaining piece that showcases Walton's skill as a composer and his willingness to experiment with new musical styles. Its inclusion in Façade helped to make the collection a popular and influential work in the early 20th century.

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