Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1913

Average_duration

:

2:13

"The Dark Eyed Sailor" is a folk song arranged for voice and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams. The composition was completed in 1944 and premiered in the same year. The song is part of Vaughan Williams' collection of English folk songs, which he collected and arranged throughout his career. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a haunting melody that evokes the sadness of a sailor leaving his loved ones behind. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a jaunty rhythm that suggests the excitement of setting sail. The final movement returns to the melancholy mood of the first, with a slower tempo and a more contemplative melody. The overall character of the piece is reflective and introspective, with a sense of longing and nostalgia for a bygone era. The use of traditional folk melodies and simple harmonies gives the piece a timeless quality, while the subtle shifts in mood and tempo create a sense of narrative and emotional depth. Vaughan Williams' arrangement of "The Dark Eyed Sailor" is a testament to his skill as a composer and his deep love for English folk music. The piece remains a beloved part of the English choral repertoire, and continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike with its haunting beauty and timeless appeal.

More....