Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1908 - 1909

Average_duration

:

3:51

"On Wenlock Edge the wood's in trouble" is a song cycle composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1909. The piece is based on six poems from A.E. Housman's collection "A Shropshire Lad" and is scored for tenor voice, piano, and string quartet. The premiere of the work took place on October 15, 1909, at the Aeolian Hall in London. The six movements of the song cycle are "On Wenlock Edge," "From far, from eve and morning," "Is my team ploughing?," "Oh, when I was in love with you," "Bredon Hill," and "Clun." Each movement is characterized by its own unique musical style and mood, ranging from the hauntingly beautiful "On Wenlock Edge" to the lively and playful "Is my team ploughing?" The piece is notable for its use of folk melodies and modal harmonies, which give the music a distinctly English flavor. Vaughan Williams was a collector of folk songs and incorporated many of these melodies into his compositions. The use of the string quartet as an accompaniment to the voice and piano is also noteworthy, as it creates a rich and complex texture that supports the vocal line without overpowering it. The lyrics of the songs are all taken from Housman's poetry and deal with themes of love, loss, and mortality. The title of the piece, "On Wenlock Edge," refers to a location in Shropshire, England, where Housman grew up. The poems are all set in the English countryside and evoke a sense of nostalgia for a simpler, more idyllic time. Overall, "On Wenlock Edge the wood's in trouble" is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer and his love for English folk music and poetry. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and its ability to capture the essence of the English countryside and its people.

More....