Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1908

Publication Date

:

1912

Average_duration

:

1:20

Ralph Vaughan Williams composed "The Jolly Ploughboy" in 1924. It premiered on October 15, 1924, at the Aeolian Hall in London, conducted by Adrian Boult. The piece is a part of Vaughan Williams' larger work, "Folk Songs of the Four Seasons," which is a collection of folk songs arranged for voice and orchestra. "The Jolly Ploughboy" is a lively and upbeat song that tells the story of a young ploughboy who is in love with a girl. The song is in the key of G major and is written in a 6/8 time signature. The melody is simple and catchy, with a bouncy rhythm that reflects the ploughboy's cheerful nature. The piece is divided into three movements. The first movement is a lively and energetic introduction that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement is a slower and more reflective section that features a solo violin playing a mournful melody. This section represents the ploughboy's sadness at being separated from his love. The final movement is a return to the lively and upbeat tempo of the first movement, with the addition of a brass section that adds to the celebratory feel of the piece. One of the characteristics of "The Jolly Ploughboy" is its use of folk melodies. Vaughan Williams was known for his interest in English folk music, and he often incorporated traditional melodies into his compositions. "The Jolly Ploughboy" is no exception, and the melody of the song is based on a traditional English folk tune. Another characteristic of the piece is its use of orchestration. Vaughan Williams was a skilled orchestrator, and he used the orchestra to create a rich and varied sound. The piece features a range of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion, which are used to create a full and vibrant sound. Overall, "The Jolly Ploughboy" is a lively and joyful piece that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer and orchestrator. Its use of folk melodies and orchestration make it a quintessentially English piece of music that has become a beloved part of the classical repertoire.

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