Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

before 1792

Average_duration

:

1:12

"Steer her up and had her gawin" is a Scottish folk song arranged by Franz Joseph Haydn. The composition is also known as "The Boatman" and is cataloged as H. 31a/78. The piece was composed in the late 18th century and premiered in London in 1792. The composition is a set of variations on the Scottish folk song. The piece is written for a solo voice and piano accompaniment. The variations are based on the melody of the folk song, which is a lively and upbeat tune. The variations explore different aspects of the melody, including its rhythm, harmony, and texture. The first variation is a simple and straightforward presentation of the melody. The second variation adds a more complex accompaniment, with the piano playing a more active role in the music. The third variation is slower and more contemplative, with the melody played in a minor key. The fourth variation is a lively and playful variation, with the melody played in a syncopated rhythm. The fifth variation is a more complex and virtuosic variation, with the piano playing a more elaborate accompaniment and the voice singing a more elaborate melody. The sixth variation is a return to the simplicity of the first variation, with the melody played in a more straightforward manner. The seventh variation is a more dramatic and intense variation, with the melody played in a more forceful and passionate manner. The final variation is a return to the original melody, played in a more elaborate and ornate manner. The piece ends with a coda that brings the music to a close. Overall, "Steer her up and had her gawin" is a lively and playful composition that showcases Haydn's skill as a composer. The variations explore different aspects of the melody, creating a rich and varied musical experience. The piece is a testament to Haydn's ability to take a simple folk song and turn it into a complex and sophisticated work of art.

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