Composer

:

John Ireland

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1920

Average_duration

:

3:04

"When May is in his prime" is a song cycle composed by John Ireland, a British composer, pianist, and teacher. The cycle was composed in 1922 and premiered in the same year. It consists of six movements, each of which is based on a poem by various poets. The first movement, "When May is in his prime," is based on a poem by Robert Bridges. It is a lively and joyful song that captures the essence of springtime. The second movement, "The Encounter," is based on a poem by Walter de la Mare. It is a haunting and mysterious song that tells the story of a chance meeting between two strangers. The third movement, "I have twelve oxen," is based on a poem by A. E. Housman. It is a melancholic song that tells the story of a farmer who has lost everything he had. The fourth movement, "Money, O!" is based on a poem by Thomas Campion. It is a lively and humorous song that pokes fun at the obsession with money. The fifth movement, "If there were dreams to sell," is based on a poem by Thomas Lovell Beddoes. It is a dreamy and ethereal song that explores the idea of selling dreams. The final movement, "Her Song," is based on a poem by John Masefield. It is a romantic and tender song that tells the story of a woman singing to her lover. The characteristics of "When May is in his prime" are typical of John Ireland's style. The cycle is characterized by its lyrical melodies, rich harmonies, and expressive use of text. Ireland was known for his ability to set poetry to music in a way that captured the essence of the text. In "When May is in his prime," he demonstrates this skill by creating music that perfectly complements the poems on which it is based. Overall, "When May is in his prime" is a beautiful and evocative song cycle that showcases John Ireland's talent as a composer. Its six movements offer a range of emotions and moods, from joy and humor to melancholy and romance. It remains a popular work in the repertoire of art song singers and is a testament to Ireland's enduring legacy as a composer.

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