Composer

:

Arthur Somervell

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

2:50

"The Lads in Their Hundreds" is a song composed by Arthur Somervell in 1904. It is a part of his song cycle "A Shropshire Lad," which is based on the poems of A.E. Housman. The song cycle was premiered in 1904 at the Royal College of Music in London. "The Lads in Their Hundreds" is the fifth song in the cycle and is set to the poem of the same name by Housman. The song is in the key of G major and is written for a tenor voice and piano accompaniment. The song has a moderate tempo and is marked "with feeling." The song is divided into three distinct sections. The first section is slow and melancholic, with the tenor singing about the lads who have died and are buried in the churchyard. The second section is more upbeat and features a faster tempo, with the tenor singing about the lads who are still alive and enjoying life. The final section returns to the slower tempo of the first section, with the tenor singing about how the lads who are still alive will one day join their fallen comrades in the churchyard. The song is characterized by its use of simple, folk-like melodies and harmonies. The piano accompaniment is sparse and serves to support the tenor's voice rather than compete with it. The song is also notable for its use of repetition, with the phrase "The lads in their hundreds to Ludlow come in for the fair" repeated throughout the song. Overall, "The Lads in Their Hundreds" is a poignant and moving song that captures the themes of loss and remembrance that are central to Housman's poetry. Its simple melodies and harmonies make it accessible to a wide audience, while its emotional depth and beauty make it a timeless classic of English art song.

More....