Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1903 - 1906

Publication Date

:

1908

Average_duration

:

2:54

"On Board a Ninety-eight" is a composition for orchestra by the English composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. It was composed in 1922 and premiered on October 26 of the same year at a concert of the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Albert Coates. The piece is in three movements and has a total duration of approximately 15 minutes. The first movement, marked "Allegro," begins with a lively and rhythmic theme played by the strings. This theme is then developed and passed around the orchestra, with various instruments taking turns playing it. The movement also features a lyrical second theme, played by the woodwinds, which provides a contrast to the energetic opening theme. The movement ends with a return to the opening material, played with even greater intensity. The second movement, marked "Lento," is a slow and contemplative piece. It begins with a mournful melody played by the cellos, which is then taken up by the violins. The melody is then passed around the orchestra, with various instruments adding their own variations and embellishments. The movement builds to a climax before subsiding into a quiet and reflective coda. The final movement, marked "Allegro molto," is a fast and lively piece that brings the work to a rousing conclusion. It begins with a fanfare-like theme played by the brass, which is then taken up by the strings. The movement features a number of different themes and motifs, all of which are developed and combined in various ways. The movement ends with a triumphant restatement of the opening theme, played with great energy and excitement. Overall, "On Board a Ninety-eight" is a dynamic and colorful work that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as an orchestrator. The piece is characterized by its lively rhythms, memorable melodies, and inventive use of orchestral color. It is a popular work in the orchestral repertoire and is frequently performed in concert halls around the world.

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