Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1913

Average_duration

:

2:11

"Just as the Tide was Flowing" is a traditional English folk song arranged by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1913. The piece was premiered in 1913 at the Royal College of Music in London. The arrangement is for unaccompanied choir and is part of the composer's collection of English Folk Song Suite. The piece is in three movements, with each movement featuring a different verse of the folk song. The first movement is marked "Moderato" and features a simple, flowing melody in the upper voices, with the lower voices providing a steady, rhythmic accompaniment. The second movement is marked "Allegro" and features a more lively and energetic melody, with the choir singing in unison for much of the movement. The final movement is marked "Andante" and features a slower, more contemplative melody, with the choir singing in four-part harmony. The characteristics of the piece reflect Vaughan Williams' interest in English folk music and his desire to preserve and promote traditional English music. The simple, flowing melodies and rhythmic accompaniment reflect the simplicity and beauty of traditional English folk music. The use of unaccompanied choir also reflects the traditional nature of the music, as many folk songs were originally sung without instrumental accompaniment. Overall, "Just as the Tide was Flowing" is a beautiful and evocative piece of music that captures the essence of traditional English folk music. Its simple melodies and harmonies make it accessible to a wide range of performers and audiences, while its historical and cultural significance make it an important part of the English musical tradition.

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