Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1978

Average_duration

:

11:57

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

John Rutter's 'Traditional Songs (5)' is a choral work that was composed in 1978. The piece was premiered in the same year by the Cambridge Singers, a choir that Rutter founded and directed. The work consists of five movements, each of which is based on a traditional folk song from the British Isles. The first movement, 'The Keel Row', is a lively and rhythmic song from Northumberland. Rutter's arrangement features a call-and-response structure between the choir and a soloist, as well as a driving piano accompaniment. The second movement, 'O Waly, Waly', is a haunting ballad from Scotland. Rutter's arrangement is characterized by its lush harmonies and expressive use of dynamics, which help to convey the song's melancholic mood. The third movement, 'Blow, Blow Thou Winter Wind', is a setting of a song from Shakespeare's play 'As You Like It'. Rutter's arrangement features a delicate piano accompaniment and a gentle, flowing melody that captures the song's wistful and introspective tone. The fourth movement, 'The Lark in the Clear Air', is a traditional Irish song that celebrates the beauty of nature. Rutter's arrangement is notable for its soaring vocal lines and shimmering harmonies, which evoke the image of a bird in flight. The final movement, 'The Miller of Dee', is a lively and humorous song from Cheshire. Rutter's arrangement features a jaunty piano accompaniment and a playful melody that captures the song's cheerful and irreverent spirit. Overall, 'Traditional Songs (5)' is a charming and accessible work that showcases Rutter's skill as a composer and arranger. The piece is well-suited for choirs of all levels and is a popular choice for concerts and festivals.

More....