Howard Blake
It was a lover and his lass
Works Info
Composer:Howard BlakeGenre:MiscellaneousStyle:MiscellaneousAverage_duration:1:41"It was a lover and his lass" is a choral work composed by Howard Blake, a British composer, pianist, and conductor. The piece was composed in 1975 and premiered in the same year. It is a setting of a text from William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It." The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is marked "Allegro con brio" and is a lively and energetic setting of the text. The second movement is marked "Andante con moto" and is a more reflective and introspective setting of the text. The final movement is marked "Allegro vivace" and is a joyful and celebratory setting of the text. The piece is characterized by its use of rich harmonies, lush textures, and expressive melodies. The choral writing is often homophonic, with the voices singing in unison or in simple harmonies. However, there are also moments of polyphony, where the voices weave in and out of each other in intricate patterns. The piano accompaniment is also an important part of the piece, providing a driving rhythm and adding to the overall texture and energy of the work. The piano part is often virtuosic, with fast runs and arpeggios that add to the excitement of the piece. Overall, "It was a lover and his lass" is a joyful and exuberant choral work that showcases Howard Blake's skill as a composer and his ability to set text in a way that is both expressive and musically satisfying.More....
