Composer

:

Percy Grainger

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Passacaglia

Compose Date

:

1905 - 1921

Publication Date

:

1931

Average_duration

:

7:26

'Green Bushes' is a passacaglia for 22 solo instruments or orchestra composed by Percy Grainger in 1921. The piece is based on a traditional English folk song of the same name, which Grainger collected during his travels throughout the British Isles. The premiere of the work was given by the New York Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Walter Damrosch on January 27, 1922. The passacaglia is a musical form that features a repeating bass line, or ground bass, over which variations are built. In 'Green Bushes', Grainger uses a simple, four-note melody as the basis for the ground bass, which is played by the cellos and basses throughout the piece. Over this repeating pattern, the other instruments weave a complex web of melodies and harmonies, creating a rich and varied texture. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores different aspects of the folk song. The first movement, marked 'With motion and swing', features a lively and rhythmic treatment of the melody, with frequent changes of tempo and meter. The second movement, marked 'Slow and dreamy', is a more introspective and lyrical variation, with long, flowing lines and rich harmonies. The final movement, marked 'Brisk and lively', returns to the energetic and rhythmic style of the first movement, building to a thrilling climax before subsiding into a quiet coda. One of the most striking characteristics of 'Green Bushes' is its use of unconventional instrumentation. Grainger was known for his interest in unusual and exotic instruments, and he incorporates a number of these into the piece, including the oboe d'amore, the bass clarinet, and the alto and bass saxophones. The resulting sound is both colorful and distinctive, giving the piece a unique character that sets it apart from more traditional orchestral works. Overall, 'Green Bushes' is a masterful example of Grainger's unique style, blending elements of folk music, classical composition, and experimental instrumentation into a rich and complex whole. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless beauty and its place as a classic of the orchestral repertoire.

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