Composer

:

Ivor Gurney

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1920

Average_duration

:

2:18

Ha'nacker Mill is a song composed by Ivor Gurney in 1917. It was premiered in the same year and is a part of his song cycle titled "Five Elizabethan Songs". The song is based on a poem by Hilaire Belloc and is written for a tenor voice and piano accompaniment. The song is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Moderato" and is in the key of G major. It begins with a gentle piano introduction that sets the mood for the song. The tenor voice enters with the first verse, singing about the beauty of the countryside and the mill. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a flowing rhythm that evokes the peacefulness of the scene. The second movement is marked "Allegro" and is in the key of D major. It begins with a lively piano introduction that sets a more upbeat tone. The tenor voice enters with the second verse, singing about the miller and his family. The melody is more complex and rhythmic, with a faster tempo that reflects the energy of the miller and his work. The third movement is marked "Moderato" and is in the key of G major. It begins with a piano interlude that leads into the final verse. The tenor voice sings about the passing of time and the eventual decay of the mill. The melody is more somber and reflective, with a slower tempo that reflects the melancholy mood of the lyrics. Overall, Ha'nacker Mill is a beautiful and evocative song that captures the essence of the English countryside and the passing of time. The melody is simple yet effective, and the piano accompaniment adds depth and texture to the piece. It is a testament to Gurney's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of a poem in music.

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