Composer

:

Peter Warlock

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

2:42

'Passing By' is a song composed by Peter Warlock, an English composer who was active in the early 20th century. The song was composed in 1927 and premiered the same year. It is a part of Warlock's song cycle titled 'The Curlew', which is based on the poems of W.B. Yeats. 'Passing By' is the third movement of 'The Curlew' and is a setting of Yeats' poem of the same name. The song is written for a tenor voice and piano accompaniment. The piece is characterized by its melancholic and introspective mood, which is typical of Warlock's music. The song begins with a slow and mournful piano introduction, which sets the mood for the piece. The tenor voice enters with the first line of the poem, "I know that I shall meet my fate somewhere among the clouds above." The melody is simple and understated, allowing the words of the poem to take center stage. The second verse of the poem is set to a more flowing and lyrical melody, which reflects the speaker's thoughts on his life and the choices he has made. The piano accompaniment is more active in this section, with arpeggios and runs that add to the sense of movement and reflection. The final verse of the poem returns to the mournful mood of the opening, with the tenor voice singing, "Nor law, nor duty bade me fight, nor public men, nor cheering crowds." The piano accompaniment is sparse and simple, with long chords that emphasize the sense of resignation and acceptance in the text. Overall, 'Passing By' is a haunting and introspective song that showcases Warlock's skill at setting poetry to music. The piece is notable for its understated melody and simple piano accompaniment, which allow the words of the poem to take center stage.

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