Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1947

Average_duration

:

1:56

"The Miller of Dee" is a folk song arranged by Benjamin Britten in 1943. The song was originally a traditional English folk song that was popular in the 16th century. Britten's arrangement of the song was premiered in 1943 as part of his "Folk Song Arrangements" collection. The song is a simple and cheerful tune that tells the story of a miller who is content with his life and his work. The lyrics describe the miller's love of his job and his satisfaction with his simple life. The melody is light and bouncy, with a catchy refrain that is easy to sing along to. Britten's arrangement of the song is scored for voice and piano. The piano part is simple and supportive, providing a gentle accompaniment to the vocal line. The vocal line is also simple, with a range that is well-suited to a folk song. Britten's arrangement is faithful to the original melody and lyrics, but he adds his own touches to the harmonies and phrasing to give the song a more modern feel. "The Miller of Dee" is a single-movement piece that lasts around two minutes. The song is structured around a simple verse-chorus form, with the chorus serving as a refrain that is repeated throughout the song. The melody is catchy and memorable, making it a popular choice for sing-alongs and community events. Overall, "The Miller of Dee" is a charming and lighthearted folk song that showcases Britten's skill as an arranger. The song is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional English folk music and the power of simple melodies and lyrics to capture the essence of everyday life.

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