Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1903 - 1906

Publication Date

:

1908

Average_duration

:

3:47

"Geordie" is a folk song arranged for voice and piano by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. The song was composed in 1922 and premiered in the same year. It is a part of the composer's collection of English folk songs, which he collected and arranged throughout his career. The song is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a simple piano accompaniment that sets the mood for the song. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more complex piano part. The third movement returns to the slower, more mournful character of the first movement, bringing the song to a somber conclusion. The lyrics of "Geordie" tell the story of a man who has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit. The song is a lament for his fate, and for the injustice of the legal system that has condemned him. The melody is simple and haunting, with a sense of sadness and resignation that reflects the mood of the lyrics. One of the characteristics of Vaughan Williams' arrangement of "Geordie" is his use of modal harmonies, which give the song a distinctly English folk music feel. The piano accompaniment is also notable for its use of open fifths and fourths, which create a sense of space and openness in the music. Overall, "Geordie" is a beautiful and poignant example of Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer and arranger of English folk music. Its simple melody and haunting harmonies have made it a popular choice for singers and musicians, and it remains a beloved part of the English folk music tradition.

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