Composer

:

Florence Price

Genre

:

Chamber

Compose Date

:

1951

Average_duration

:

17:52

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Florence Price's 'Folksongs in Counterpoint (5)' is a composition for string quartet that premiered in 1951. The piece is comprised of five movements, each based on a different folk song. The first movement, 'Calvary', is based on the spiritual song 'Calvary'. It begins with a slow, mournful melody in the cello, which is then echoed by the other instruments. The piece gradually builds in intensity, with the instruments playing in counterpoint to each other, before ending with a quiet, reflective coda. The second movement, 'Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes', is based on the English folk song of the same name. It is a lively, upbeat piece, with the instruments playing in a playful, dance-like manner. The melody is passed between the instruments, with each taking turns to lead the others. The third movement, 'Shortnin' Bread', is based on the African-American folk song of the same name. It is a fast-paced, energetic piece, with the instruments playing in a syncopated rhythm. The melody is passed between the instruments, with each taking turns to play the main theme. The fourth movement, 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot', is based on the spiritual song of the same name. It is a slow, mournful piece, with the instruments playing in a somber, reflective manner. The melody is passed between the instruments, with each taking turns to play the main theme. The final movement, 'Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho', is based on the spiritual song of the same name. It is a lively, upbeat piece, with the instruments playing in a syncopated rhythm. The melody is passed between the instruments, with each taking turns to play the main theme. Overall, 'Folksongs in Counterpoint (5)' is a beautiful and engaging composition that showcases Florence Price's skill as a composer. The use of folk songs as the basis for each movement gives the piece a sense of familiarity and accessibility, while the intricate counterpoint and complex rhythms demonstrate Price's mastery of her craft.

More....