Composer

:

William Walton

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1931

Average_duration

:

1:14

'What Cheer?' is a composition by the British composer William Walton. It was composed in 1940 and premiered on 12th October of the same year at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The piece is a march for military band and was written as a tribute to the American state of Rhode Island, which has the motto "What Cheer?". The composition is divided into three movements. The first movement is marked "Allegro molto" and is characterized by its energetic and lively tempo. The second movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is more subdued and reflective in nature. The final movement is marked "Allegro vivace" and is a return to the energetic and lively tempo of the first movement. The piece is notable for its use of brass and percussion instruments, which give it a bold and powerful sound. The use of syncopated rhythms and shifting time signatures also adds to the piece's sense of energy and movement. The composition is also notable for its use of a recurring motif, which is based on the opening notes of the Rhode Island state song. Overall, 'What Cheer?' is a dynamic and celebratory composition that captures the spirit of Rhode Island and its motto. Its use of brass and percussion instruments, as well as its energetic tempo and syncopated rhythms, make it a popular choice for military bands and other ensembles.

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