Composer

:

Franz Joseph Haydn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

before 1792

Average_duration

:

5:34

"Marg'ret's Ghost" is a composition by Franz Joseph Haydn, composed in 1796. It is also known as "The Spirit's Song" and is catalogued as H. 31a/65. The piece is a setting of a Scottish ballad, which tells the story of a young woman named Marg'ret who is visited by the ghost of her lover, who has died at sea. The composition is written for solo voice and piano, and is in three movements. The first movement is a slow and mournful introduction, which sets the scene for the story. The second movement is the main body of the piece, and is a lively and rhythmic setting of the ballad. The third movement is a reprise of the first, bringing the piece to a close. The characteristics of "Marg'ret's Ghost" are typical of Haydn's style. The piece is simple and elegant, with a clear and straightforward melody. The piano accompaniment is sparse, allowing the voice to take center stage. The use of Scottish folk melodies and themes is also typical of Haydn's interest in folk music. "Marg'ret's Ghost" premiered in London in 1796, and was an immediate success. It was praised for its simplicity and beauty, and became one of Haydn's most popular vocal works. The piece has since been performed and recorded by many artists, and remains a beloved example of Haydn's artistry.

More....