Composer

:

Herbert Howells

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1928

Average_duration

:

3:50

'Come Sing and Dance' is a vocal work composed by Herbert Howells in 1953. The piece was premiered on 22nd October 1953 at the Wigmore Hall in London, with the composer himself accompanying the singer. The work consists of three movements, each with its own unique characteristics. The first movement, marked 'Allegro con brio', is a lively and energetic piece that showcases Howells' skillful use of rhythm and melody. The piano part is particularly virtuosic, with rapid arpeggios and cascading runs that provide a lively backdrop for the singer's soaring vocal line. The text of the first movement is taken from a poem by Robert Bridges, and the music perfectly captures the joy and exuberance of the words. The second movement, marked 'Andante con moto', is a more introspective piece that explores the darker side of human emotion. The piano part is more subdued, with gentle chords and delicate arpeggios that create a sense of melancholy and introspection. The vocal line is similarly restrained, with long, flowing phrases that convey a sense of sadness and longing. The text of the second movement is taken from a poem by Walter de la Mare, and the music perfectly captures the haunting beauty of the words. The third and final movement, marked 'Allegro vivace', is a lively and playful piece that brings the work to a joyful conclusion. The piano part is once again virtuosic, with rapid runs and sparkling arpeggios that provide a lively backdrop for the singer's exuberant vocal line. The text of the third movement is taken from a poem by William Blake, and the music perfectly captures the playful and joyful spirit of the words. Overall, 'Come Sing and Dance' is a masterful work that showcases Howells' skillful use of melody, rhythm, and harmony. The work is characterized by its lively and energetic first movement, its introspective and melancholy second movement, and its playful and joyful third movement. The work is a testament to Howells' skill as a composer and his ability to capture the full range of human emotion in his music.

More....