Composer

:

Malcolm Arnold

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quintet

Compose Date

:

1943

First Performance

:

Aug 1943

Average_duration

:

7:01

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Shanties (3), Op. 4 is a composition by British composer Malcolm Arnold. It was composed in 1943 and premiered on May 6, 1943, at the Royal College of Music in London. The piece consists of three movements, each of which is based on a traditional sea shanty. The first movement, "What shall we do with a drunken sailor?", is a lively and energetic piece in 6/8 time. It features a playful melody that is passed between the different sections of the orchestra, creating a sense of movement and excitement. The use of percussion instruments, such as the snare drum and tambourine, adds to the nautical feel of the piece. The second movement, "Boney was a warrior", is a slower and more contemplative piece. It features a haunting melody played by the strings, with the woodwinds and brass providing a subtle accompaniment. The use of dissonant harmonies and unexpected chord progressions creates a sense of tension and unease, reflecting the darker side of life at sea. The final movement, "Johnny come down to Hilo", is a lively and upbeat piece in 2/4 time. It features a catchy melody that is passed between the different sections of the orchestra, with the percussion instruments once again adding to the nautical feel of the piece. The use of syncopated rhythms and unexpected accents creates a sense of excitement and energy, bringing the piece to a rousing conclusion. Overall, Shanties (3), Op. 4 is a lively and engaging work that showcases Arnold's skill as a composer. The use of traditional sea shanties as source material gives the piece a sense of authenticity and nostalgia, while Arnold's inventive orchestration and harmonic language keep the music fresh and modern.

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