Composer

:

Havergal Brian

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:45

"Love is a Merry Game" is a composition by Havergal Brian, a British composer who lived from 1876 to 1972. The piece was composed in 1929 and premiered on May 22, 1930, at the Queen's Hall in London. It is a song cycle consisting of six movements, each of which sets a poem by a different author. The first movement, "Love is a Merry Game," sets a poem by John Fletcher. It is a lively and playful piece, with a jaunty melody and a bouncy rhythm. The second movement, "The Nightingale," sets a poem by Thomas Nashe. It is a more contemplative piece, with a haunting melody and a sense of longing. The third movement, "The Shepherd's Daughter," sets a poem by John Clare. It is a pastoral piece, with a gentle melody and a sense of innocence. The fourth movement, "The Beggar's Daughter of Bednall Green," sets a traditional ballad. It is a dramatic piece, with a strong narrative and a sense of tragedy. The fifth movement, "The Passionate Shepherd to His Love," sets a poem by Christopher Marlowe. It is a romantic piece, with a lush melody and a sense of yearning. The final movement, "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd," sets a poem by Sir Walter Raleigh. It is a more cynical piece, with a sharp melody and a sense of disillusionment. Overall, "Love is a Merry Game" is a varied and engaging song cycle, showcasing Brian's skill as a composer and his ability to set a wide range of texts to music. The piece is notable for its use of different musical styles and moods, as well as its inventive harmonies and melodies.

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