Herbert Howells
Merry-Eye
Works Info
Composer:Herbert HowellsGenre:OrchestralStyle:OrchestralCompose Date:Aug 1920Average_duration:8:50"Merry-Eye" is a choral work composed by Herbert Howells in 1949. It was premiered on December 7, 1949, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, by the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, marked "Allegro con brio," is lively and energetic, with a driving rhythm and a sense of forward momentum. The second movement, marked "Andante con moto," is more contemplative and introspective, with a slower tempo and a more lyrical melody. The final movement, marked "Allegro vivace," returns to the lively and energetic character of the first movement, with a fast tempo and a sense of joyous celebration. Throughout the piece, Howells employs a variety of choral techniques, including complex harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and richly textured vocal writing. The orchestration is also varied and colorful, with a wide range of instrumental colors and textures. One of the most striking characteristics of "Merry-Eye" is its use of text. The piece is based on a medieval English poem called "The Cuckoo Song," which celebrates the arrival of spring and the return of the cuckoo bird. Howells sets the text in a way that emphasizes its playful and joyful character, with lively rhythms and bright, colorful harmonies. Overall, "Merry-Eye" is a vibrant and exuberant work that showcases Howells' skill as a composer and his deep love of choral music. Its premiere was a great success, and it has since become a beloved part of the choral repertoire.More....