Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1911

Average_duration

:

18:52

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Ralph Vaughan Williams' 'Mystical Songs (5)' is a song cycle composed in 1911-1912. The premiere of the work took place on 10th October 1912 at the Aeolian Hall in London, with the composer himself conducting. The cycle consists of five songs, each with its own unique character and mood. The first song, 'Easter', is a joyful celebration of the resurrection of Christ. The music is bright and energetic, with a lively rhythm and soaring melodies. The second song, 'I got me flowers', is a more introspective piece, with a haunting melody and a sense of quiet contemplation. The third song, 'Love bade me welcome', is perhaps the most famous of the cycle. It is a setting of a poem by George Herbert, and the music perfectly captures the sense of humility and awe expressed in the text. The melody is simple and unadorned, with a gentle accompaniment that allows the words to shine through. The fourth song, 'The Call', is a dramatic and powerful piece, with a sense of urgency and longing. The music builds to a climax as the singer implores the listener to answer the call of God. The final song, 'Antiphon', is a peaceful and contemplative piece, with a sense of quiet resignation and acceptance. Overall, the 'Mystical Songs (5)' is a deeply spiritual and emotional work, with a strong sense of reverence and awe. The music is often simple and unadorned, allowing the words to take center stage. However, there are also moments of great drama and intensity, as the composer seeks to capture the full range of human emotion in his music.

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