Composer

:

George Butterworth

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1909

"I fear thy kisses" is a song composed by George Butterworth, a British composer and folk song collector. The song was composed in 1912 and premiered in the same year. It is a part of Butterworth's song cycle "A Shropshire Lad," which is based on the poems of A.E. Housman. "I fear thy kisses" is the third song in the cycle and is set to Housman's poem of the same name. The song is in the key of G major and is written for voice and piano. It is a slow and melancholic piece, with a simple and repetitive piano accompaniment that creates a sense of longing and sadness. The song is divided into two distinct sections, with the first section being in a minor key and the second section in a major key. The first section is marked by a sense of unease and uncertainty, with the lyrics expressing fear and apprehension towards the lover's kisses. The second section, on the other hand, is marked by a sense of acceptance and resignation, with the lyrics expressing a willingness to accept the pain and sorrow that comes with love. The song is characterized by Butterworth's use of modal harmonies and folk-like melodies, which give the piece a nostalgic and pastoral quality. The vocal line is simple and lyrical, with a focus on the natural inflections of the text. The piano accompaniment is sparse and understated, with a focus on creating a sense of atmosphere and mood. Overall, "I fear thy kisses" is a haunting and poignant song that captures the bittersweet nature of love and longing. It is a testament to Butterworth's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of Housman's poetry in his music.

More....