Composer

:

Peter Warlock

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1918

Average_duration

:

0:37

"Whenas the Rye" is a choral work composed by Peter Warlock in 1926. The piece is based on a poem by Thomas Nashe, a contemporary of William Shakespeare. It was premiered in London in 1927 by the BBC Singers. The piece is written for four-part mixed choir and piano accompaniment. It is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Allegro con brio" and is characterized by its lively, dance-like rhythm. The second movement, marked "Andante con moto," is more contemplative and features a beautiful melody sung by the choir. The final movement, marked "Allegro vivace," returns to the lively, dance-like character of the first movement. The text of the piece is taken from Nashe's poem "Spring, the Sweet Spring." The poem celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life that it brings. Warlock's setting of the text captures the joy and exuberance of the season, with its lively rhythms and bright harmonies. Overall, "Whenas the Rye" is a charming and uplifting choral work that captures the spirit of spring. Its lively rhythms and beautiful melodies make it a joy to sing and listen to, and it remains a popular piece in the choral repertoire to this day.

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