Composer

:

Ralph Vaughan Williams

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1927

Average_duration

:

17:40

Movement_count

:

9

Movement ....

"Along the Field" is a song cycle composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1927. The premiere of the work took place on May 17, 1927, at the Wigmore Hall in London, with the composer himself accompanying the singer, his wife, Ursula Vaughan Williams. The cycle consists of eight songs, each of which is based on a poem by A. E. Housman. The first movement, "Along the Field," sets the tone for the cycle with its melancholic and introspective mood. The second movement, "I Wandered by the Brookside," is more upbeat and playful, with a lilting melody that evokes the sound of running water. The third movement, "When the Lad for Longing Sighs," is a slow and mournful song that expresses the pain of unrequited love. The fourth movement, "From Far, from Eve and Morning," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that features a soaring melody and rich harmonies. The fifth movement, "Oh, Fair Enough Are Sky and Plain," is a lively and energetic song that celebrates the beauty of nature. The sixth movement, "When I Was One-and-Twenty," is a simple and straightforward song that expresses the regret of a young man who has made a foolish mistake. The seventh movement, "The Lent Lily," is a delicate and ethereal piece that captures the fleeting beauty of spring flowers. The final movement, "The Lads in Their Hundreds," is a somber and reflective song that mourns the loss of young men who have died in war. Overall, "Along the Field" is a deeply emotional and introspective work that showcases Vaughan Williams' skill as a composer and his ability to capture the essence of Housman's poetry. The cycle is characterized by its rich harmonies, soaring melodies, and evocative imagery, and it remains a beloved work in the classical repertoire.

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