Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Fantasy

Compose Date

:

1934

Average_duration

:

4:35

Fantasia on Greensleeves is a composition by Ralph Vaughan Williams, a British composer, and was composed in 1934. The piece was originally written as incidental music for the play "Sir John in Love" by William Shakespeare. The play is a comedy based on the story of Falstaff and was first performed in 1929. The piece was later arranged for orchestra by the composer and has since become a popular work in the classical repertoire. The premiere of the piece was in 1934, conducted by Adrian Boult, and was performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The piece is in two movements and has a duration of approximately four minutes. The first movement is a slow and melancholic melody played by the strings, which is based on the traditional English folk song "Greensleeves". The melody is then taken up by the woodwinds, creating a gentle and soothing atmosphere. The second movement is more lively and features a faster tempo. The melody is played by the woodwinds and is accompanied by the strings and harp. The piece ends with a return to the slow and melancholic melody of the first movement, bringing the piece to a peaceful and serene conclusion. The characteristics of the piece are typical of Vaughan Williams' style, which is known for its use of folk melodies and modal harmonies. The piece is also notable for its use of orchestration, with the composer using the different sections of the orchestra to create a rich and varied sound. The piece is often described as being evocative of the English countryside, with its gentle and pastoral melodies. Overall, Fantasia on Greensleeves is a beautiful and timeless piece of music that has become a staple of the classical repertoire. Its use of traditional English folk melodies and its evocative orchestration make it a perfect example of Vaughan Williams' unique style.

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