Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

29:47

Movement_count

:

11

Movement ....

The Sprig of Thyme is a choral suite composed by John Rutter in 1988. It was premiered by the Cambridge Singers, a choir founded and directed by Rutter himself, in the same year. The suite consists of eleven movements, each of which is a setting of a traditional English folk song. The first movement, "The Willow Tree," is a gentle and melancholic piece that sets the tone for the suite. The second movement, "The Sprig of Thyme," is a lively and upbeat song that features a soloist and a playful accompaniment. The third movement, "The Keel Row," is a sea shanty that evokes the sound of waves and the rhythm of rowing. The fourth movement, "The Three Ravens," is a haunting and atmospheric piece that tells the story of three ravens discussing the fate of a slain knight. The fifth movement, "The Wraggle Taggle Gypsies," is a lively and rhythmic song that celebrates the freedom and wanderlust of the gypsy lifestyle. The sixth movement, "The Cuckoo," is a cheerful and playful piece that imitates the call of the cuckoo bird. The seventh movement, "The Miller of Dee," is a humorous and bawdy song that tells the story of a miller who is content with his simple life. The eighth movement, "The Ploughboy," is a pastoral and nostalgic piece that celebrates the joys of country life. The ninth movement, "The Bold Grenadier," is a stirring and patriotic song that tells the story of a soldier who goes off to war. The tenth movement, "The Crystal Spring," is a gentle and reflective piece that evokes the sound of a bubbling spring. The final movement, "The British Grenadiers," is a rousing and triumphant song that celebrates the bravery and heroism of the British soldiers. Overall, The Sprig of Thyme is a charming and varied suite that showcases Rutter's skill as a composer and arranger. The use of traditional folk songs gives the suite a timeless quality, while the choral arrangements and accompaniments add a modern touch. The suite is a popular choice for choirs and audiences alike, and has become a staple of the choral repertoire.

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