Composer

:

Percy Grainger

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Keyboard

Compose Date

:

1906 - Aug 16, 1932

Publication Date

:

1978

Average_duration

:

0:50

'Hard-Hearted Barb'ra (H)Ellen' is a folk song for piano composed by Percy Grainger in 1908. The piece is based on a traditional English folk song called 'Barbara Allen', which tells the story of a young man who falls in love with Barbara Allen, but she rejects him and he dies of a broken heart. The song has been popular for centuries and has been recorded by many artists. Grainger's version of the song is a piano arrangement that features a series of variations on the original melody. The piece is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of the melody and the story it tells. The first movement is marked 'With dignity and pathos' and features a slow, mournful melody that captures the sadness of the young man's death. The second movement is marked 'With humor and irony' and features a lively, playful melody that captures the irony of Barbara Allen's rejection of the young man. The third movement is marked 'With energy and humor' and features a fast, energetic melody that captures the spirit of the folk song and the joy of life. One of the most distinctive characteristics of Grainger's arrangement is his use of unusual harmonies and rhythms. He often employs dissonant chords and unexpected shifts in tempo to create a sense of tension and drama. He also uses a variety of pianistic techniques, such as glissandos and tremolos, to add color and texture to the music. Overall, 'Hard-Hearted Barb'ra (H)Ellen' is a masterful example of Grainger's unique approach to folk music. By taking a traditional melody and transforming it into a complex and sophisticated piano piece, he demonstrates his deep understanding of the folk tradition and his ability to create music that is both accessible and challenging. The piece premiered in 1910 and has since become a staple of the piano repertoire.

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