Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1951

Average_duration

:

1:00

"Over Hill, over Dale" is a song composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams as part of his "Shakespeare Songs No. 3" collection. The collection was composed in 1951 and premiered on June 22, 1951, at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The collection consists of six songs, each based on a different Shakespearean text. "Over Hill, over Dale" is the third song in the collection and is based on a text from Act II, Scene 2 of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The song is written for four-part chorus and piano accompaniment. The piano part is relatively simple, providing a gentle accompaniment to the vocal lines. The song is in a moderate tempo and is marked "with a lilt." The melody is simple and lyrical, with a gentle rise and fall that reflects the text's playful and whimsical nature. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional chromatic inflections that add interest and color. The song is divided into three sections, each with a different text. The first section begins with the words "Over hill, over dale," and features a lilting melody that rises and falls in a playful manner. The second section begins with the words "Through bush, through brier," and features a more flowing melody that is marked "with a flowing movement." The final section begins with the words "I do wander everywhere," and returns to the playful, lilting melody of the first section. Overall, "Over Hill, over Dale" is a charming and whimsical song that captures the playful spirit of Shakespeare's text. Its simple melody and harmonies make it accessible to a wide range of performers, while its playful character makes it a delightful addition to any choral program.

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