Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1912

Average_duration

:

1:46

"The Winter is gone and past" is a choral work composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1922. It was premiered on May 3, 1922, at the Royal College of Music in London, conducted by the composer himself. The piece is a setting of a traditional English folk song, which tells the story of a young woman who is waiting for her lover to return from sea. The lyrics are simple and poignant, expressing the longing and hope of the woman as she watches the changing seasons. The work is divided into three movements, each of which reflects a different aspect of the story. The first movement, "The Winter is gone and past," is a gentle and lyrical setting of the opening lines of the folk song. The music is characterized by flowing melodies and rich harmonies, which evoke the beauty and tranquility of the natural world. The second movement, "The cuckoo is a pretty bird," is a lively and playful setting of the middle section of the folk song. The music is characterized by a jaunty rhythm and a bright, cheerful melody, which capture the joy and excitement of the young woman as she hears the cuckoo's call. The final movement, "Green bushes," is a haunting and melancholy setting of the closing lines of the folk song. The music is characterized by a mournful melody and sparse, dissonant harmonies, which convey the sadness and despair of the young woman as she realizes that her lover will not return. Overall, "The Winter is gone and past" is a beautiful and evocative work that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer of choral music. Its simple yet powerful melodies and harmonies capture the essence of the traditional English folk song, while its rich textures and expressive phrasing create a sense of depth and emotion that is both moving and memorable.

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