Composer

:

Harry Somers

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1969

Average_duration

:

17:39

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

'Songs (5) of the Newfoundland Outports' is a composition by Canadian composer Harry Somers. The piece was composed in 1963 and premiered on March 7, 1964, by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Seiji Ozawa. The work is divided into five movements, each based on a traditional Newfoundland folk song. The first movement, "She's Like the Swallow," is a hauntingly beautiful melody that captures the essence of the Newfoundland landscape. The second movement, "I'se the B'y," is a lively and rhythmic tune that celebrates the spirit of the Newfoundland people. The third movement, "Squid Jiggin' Ground," is a lively and energetic piece that captures the excitement of the annual squid fishing season. The fourth movement, "Feller from Fortune," is a poignant ballad that tells the story of a young man who leaves his home in Fortune Bay to seek his fortune in the wider world. The final movement, "The Banks of Newfoundland," is a stirring anthem that celebrates the courage and resilience of the Newfoundland fishermen who risked their lives to harvest the rich fishing grounds off the coast of Newfoundland. Somers' composition is characterized by his use of traditional Newfoundland folk melodies, which he skillfully weaves into a modern orchestral setting. The result is a work that is both deeply rooted in the traditions of Newfoundland and yet thoroughly modern in its approach. The piece has become a beloved part of the Canadian classical music canon and is frequently performed by orchestras across the country. Overall, 'Songs (5) of the Newfoundland Outports' is a beautiful and moving tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Newfoundland and a testament to the enduring power of traditional folk music.

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