Composer

:

Geoffrey Bush

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1979

Average_duration

:

2:04

"Sigh No More" is a choral work composed by Geoffrey Bush, a British composer, pianist, and teacher. The composition was completed in 1951 and had its premiere on May 15, 1952, at the Royal Festival Hall in London. $$$The piece consists of four movements, each showcasing Bush's mastery of choral writing and his ability to evoke a range of emotions. The first movement, titled "Sigh No More, Ladies," is a lively and rhythmic setting of Shakespeare's text from "Much Ado About Nothing." It features intricate vocal lines and a playful, energetic character.$$$The second movement, "Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind," is a contrasting piece that captures the melancholic essence of Shakespeare's words from "As You Like It." Bush employs rich harmonies and expressive melodies to convey the wistful and introspective mood of the text.$$$In the third movement, "When Daisies Pied," Bush sets Shakespeare's words from "Love's Labour's Lost" in a light and whimsical manner. The music is characterized by its buoyant rhythms, delicate vocal interplay, and a sense of joyful exuberance.$$$The final movement, "It Was a Lover and His Lass," is a lively and spirited setting of Shakespeare's text from "As You Like It." Bush employs a lively tempo, syncopated rhythms, and vibrant harmonies to create a joyful and celebratory atmosphere.$$$Overall, "Sigh No More" showcases Geoffrey Bush's skillful craftsmanship and his ability to bring Shakespeare's words to life through music. The composition's diverse movements, ranging from playful and energetic to introspective and melancholic, demonstrate Bush's versatility as a composer. With its expressive melodies, intricate vocal lines, and rich harmonies, "Sigh No More" remains a captivating choral work that continues to delight audiences.

More....