Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1975

Average_duration

:

12:36

Movement_count

:

7

Movement ....

A Birthday Hansel, Op. 92 is a song cycle composed by Benjamin Britten in 1975. It was written to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Scottish folklorist, Hamish Henderson. The premiere of the work was given on 22nd August 1975 at the Edinburgh International Festival, with the tenor Robert Tear and the pianist Philip Ledger. The song cycle consists of six songs, each based on a traditional Scottish folk tune. The first song, "My Early Walk", is a lively and cheerful tune that sets the tone for the rest of the cycle. The second song, "Wee Willie Gray", is a humorous and playful tune that tells the story of a mischievous boy. The third song, "The Winter it is Past", is a melancholic tune that speaks of lost love and the passing of time. The fourth song, "The Gowden Locks of Anna", is a romantic tune that tells the story of a young man who falls in love with a beautiful girl. The fifth song, "Willie's Rare", is a lively and energetic tune that celebrates the joys of life. The final song, "My Hoggie", is a humorous and playful tune that tells the story of a man and his pet pig. The characteristics of A Birthday Hansel, Op. 92 are typical of Britten's style. The songs are simple and straightforward, with clear melodies and harmonies. Britten's use of traditional Scottish folk tunes gives the work a sense of authenticity and nostalgia. The piano accompaniment is also typical of Britten's style, with intricate and delicate passages that support the vocal line. Overall, A Birthday Hansel, Op. 92 is a charming and delightful song cycle that celebrates the rich tradition of Scottish folk music. Its premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival was a fitting tribute to the Scottish folklorist, Hamish Henderson, and it remains a popular work in the repertoire of many singers and pianists today.

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