Composer

:

Scottish Traditional

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

before 1666

Average_duration

:

3:39

"Barbara Allen" is a traditional Scottish ballad that has been passed down through generations of Scottish folk music. The exact date of its composition is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century. The ballad tells the story of a young man named Sir John Graeme who falls in love with a woman named Barbara Allen. However, Barbara rejects his advances and he dies of a broken heart. Barbara later regrets her decision and dies of grief as well. The ballad has been performed and recorded by numerous artists over the years, including Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Simon & Garfunkel. It has also been adapted into various forms, including operas and musicals. "Barbara Allen" is typically performed in a slow, mournful tempo and features a simple melody with a repetitive structure. The lyrics are characterized by their melancholic tone and vivid imagery, which evoke the tragic love story at the heart of the ballad. The ballad is typically performed with a solo singer accompanied by a guitar or other stringed instrument. The ballad is divided into several movements, each of which tells a different part of the story. The first movement introduces the characters and sets the scene, while the second movement describes Sir John's unrequited love for Barbara. The third movement depicts Sir John's death and Barbara's initial indifference to his passing. The fourth movement sees Barbara regretting her decision and mourning Sir John's death, while the final movement sees her own death and reunion with Sir John in the afterlife. Overall, "Barbara Allen" is a haunting and poignant ballad that has endured for centuries as a testament to the enduring power of Scottish folk music. Its timeless themes of love, loss, and regret continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

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