Composer

:

Thomas Arne

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Average_duration

:

2:15

"Under the Greenwood Tree" is a song composed by Thomas Arne, an English composer of the 18th century. The song was composed in 1740 and was first performed in the same year. It is a part of the composer's collection of songs titled "The Shakespeare Songs," which were composed to the lyrics of William Shakespeare's plays. The song is a setting of a song from Shakespeare's play "As You Like It." The lyrics of the song describe the joys of living in the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The song is set in a pastoral style, with a simple melody and accompaniment that evoke the peacefulness and tranquility of the countryside. "Under the Greenwood Tree" is a single-movement song, with a simple A-B-A structure. The first section of the song is in a major key and features a simple melody that is repeated twice. The second section of the song is in a minor key and features a more complex melody that is also repeated twice. The final section of the song returns to the major key and repeats the melody of the first section. The song is characterized by its simplicity and charm. The melody is simple and easy to sing, making it accessible to a wide range of performers. The accompaniment is also simple, featuring a basic chord progression that supports the melody without overpowering it. The song's pastoral style and simple structure make it a popular choice for performances and recordings. Overall, "Under the Greenwood Tree" is a charming and delightful song that captures the beauty and simplicity of life in the countryside. Its popularity has endured for centuries, making it a beloved part of the English musical tradition.

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