Composer

:

Peter Warlock

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1927

Average_duration

:

1:27

Peter Warlock's "Sigh No More, Ladies" is a choral work composed in 1928. It was premiered in the same year by the Leighton Buzzard Choral Society. The piece is a setting of a text from Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing," specifically from the song sung by Balthazar in Act II, Scene 3. The work is in three movements, with the first and third being lively and rhythmic, while the second is slower and more contemplative. The first movement features a lively and syncopated piano accompaniment, with the choir singing in unison and then in harmony. The second movement is more introspective, with the choir singing in a gentle and flowing manner, accompanied by a simple piano accompaniment. The third movement returns to the lively and rhythmic style of the first, with the choir singing in harmony and the piano providing a driving accompaniment. The piece is characterized by its use of syncopation and irregular rhythms, which give it a lively and energetic feel. The harmonies are often dissonant, adding to the sense of tension and excitement in the music. The text is set in a straightforward and accessible manner, with the music serving to enhance the meaning and emotion of the words. Overall, "Sigh No More, Ladies" is a lively and engaging choral work that showcases Warlock's skill as a composer. Its use of Shakespearean text and its energetic rhythms make it a popular choice for choirs and audiences alike.

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