Composer

:

Daryl Runswick

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

4:19

'English Folksongs (5) No. 4, Scarborough Fair' is a choral arrangement of the traditional English folk song 'Scarborough Fair'. It was composed by Daryl Runswick, a British composer, arranger, and singer, in 1975. The piece was premiered by the King's Singers, a British a cappella vocal ensemble, in the same year. The arrangement consists of four movements, each with a different treatment of the melody and lyrics. The first movement is a solo rendition of the first verse of the song, sung by a tenor. The second movement is a duet between a soprano and alto, with the soprano singing the second verse and the alto singing the third verse. The third movement is a four-part harmony, with the full ensemble singing the fourth verse. The final movement is a reprise of the first movement, with the tenor singing the first verse again. The piece is characterized by its intricate harmonies and use of counterpoint. Runswick's arrangement features complex chord progressions and unexpected harmonic shifts, which add depth and complexity to the simple folk melody. The use of counterpoint, or the interweaving of multiple melodies, creates a rich and textured sound that is both intricate and accessible. The lyrics of 'Scarborough Fair' are a series of challenges and requests between two lovers. The song is believed to date back to the 17th century and was popularized in the 20th century by the folk revival movement. Runswick's arrangement of the song captures the timeless quality of the melody and lyrics while adding a modern twist with its complex harmonies and counterpoint. Overall, 'English Folksongs (5) No. 4, Scarborough Fair' is a beautiful and intricate choral arrangement of a beloved English folk song. Its use of complex harmonies and counterpoint adds depth and complexity to the simple melody, while the timeless lyrics capture the enduring appeal of traditional folk music.

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