Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Madrigal

Compose Date

:

1995

Average_duration

:

2:22

John Rutter's 'Birthday Madrigals, No.1, It was a lover and his lass' is a choral work that was composed in 1995. The piece was premiered in the same year by the Cambridge Singers, conducted by the composer himself. The work is a setting of a text from William Shakespeare's play 'As You Like It'. The text describes a lover's playful invitation to his beloved to join him in the countryside, where they can enjoy the beauty of nature and each other's company. The piece is written for four-part choir (SATB) and piano accompaniment. It is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is lively and upbeat, with a syncopated rhythm that gives the piece a playful, dance-like quality. The choir sings in unison for much of the movement, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint. The piano accompaniment is light and bouncy, adding to the overall sense of joy and celebration. The second movement is slower and more contemplative, with a more complex harmonic structure. The choir sings in close harmony, with overlapping phrases that create a sense of intimacy and tenderness. The piano accompaniment is more subdued, providing a gentle support for the choir's singing. The final movement returns to the lively, dance-like character of the first. The choir sings in unison once again, with occasional harmonies and counterpoint. The piano accompaniment is more complex and virtuosic, adding to the sense of excitement and energy. Overall, 'Birthday Madrigals, No.1, It was a lover and his lass' is a charming and joyful piece of choral music. Its playful rhythms and harmonies, combined with its beautiful setting of Shakespeare's text, make it a popular choice for choirs and audiences alike.

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