Composer

:

George Butterworth

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1912

George Butterworth's 'Folk Songs (11) from Sussex' is a collection of traditional English folk songs arranged for voice and piano. The work was composed in 1912 and premiered the same year at a concert in London. The collection consists of eleven songs, each with its own unique melody and lyrics. The first movement, "The True Lover's Farewell," is a melancholic song about a lover saying goodbye to his beloved. The second movement, "The Lover's Tasks," is a playful tune about a lover's tasks, such as fetching water and chopping wood. The third movement, "The Shoemaker," is a humorous song about a shoemaker who is too busy to find a wife. The fourth movement, "The Bold Grenadier," is a patriotic song about a soldier who goes to war for his country. The fifth movement, "The Banks of Green Willow," is a hauntingly beautiful song about a lover who drowns in a river. The sixth movement, "The Sussex Carol," is a traditional Christmas carol that tells the story of the birth of Jesus. The seventh movement, "The True Lover's Lament," is a sorrowful song about a lover who has lost his beloved. The eighth movement, "The Miller of Dee," is a lively tune about a miller who is happy with his life. The ninth movement, "The False Bride," is a cautionary tale about a woman who pretends to be someone she is not. The tenth movement, "The Banks of Claudy," is a romantic song about a lover who longs to be with his beloved. The final movement, "The Last Rose of Summer," is a bittersweet song about the passing of time and the beauty of life. Overall, Butterworth's 'Folk Songs (11) from Sussex' is a beautiful collection of traditional English folk songs that showcases the composer's skill in arranging and adapting these timeless melodies. The songs are characterized by their simple yet powerful melodies, evocative lyrics, and emotional depth. The work remains a beloved part of the English folk music canon and a testament to Butterworth's talent as a composer.

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