Composer

:

Celius Dougherty

Genre

:

Vocal

Average_duration

:

5:57

"Barbara Allen" is a popular folk ballad that has been arranged and composed by many composers over the years. One of the most famous arrangements of this ballad was composed by Celius Dougherty, an American composer and pianist. Dougherty's version of "Barbara Allen" is a song cycle that was composed in 1940 and premiered in New York City in the same year. The song cycle consists of four movements, each of which tells a different part of the story of Barbara Allen. The first movement, "Barbara Allen," is a slow and mournful introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second movement, "The Lass of Roch Royal," is a lively and upbeat tune that tells the story of a young woman who is courted by many suitors but chooses none of them. The third movement, "Lord Lovel," is a haunting and melancholy tune that tells the story of a young man who dies of a broken heart after being rejected by his love. The final movement, "Barbara Allen," is a reprise of the first movement, but with a more hopeful and uplifting tone. Dougherty's arrangement of "Barbara Allen" is characterized by its simple and elegant melodies, which are accompanied by lush and expressive piano accompaniment. The songs are also notable for their use of traditional folk melodies and themes, which give them a timeless quality that has made them popular with audiences for generations. Overall, Dougherty's "Barbara Allen" is a beautiful and moving song cycle that captures the essence of this classic folk ballad. Its premiere in 1940 marked the beginning of a long and successful career for Dougherty, who went on to compose many other works that have become beloved classics in the American songbook.

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