Composer

:

John Rutter

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

3:04

'O Waly, Waly' is a traditional English folk song that has been arranged and adapted by many composers over the years. One of the most famous arrangements is by John Rutter, a British composer and conductor known for his choral works. Rutter's arrangement of 'O Waly, Waly' was composed in 1972 and premiered in the same year. The piece is scored for SATB choir and piano, and has three movements. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the choir singing the melody in unison. The piano provides a simple accompaniment, with gentle chords and arpeggios. The lyrics of the first verse are: O Waly, waly, up the bank, And waly, waly, down the brae, And waly, waly, yon burn-side, Where I and my love wont to gae. The second movement is faster and more rhythmic, with the choir singing in harmony and the piano providing a lively accompaniment. The lyrics of the second verse are: I leaned my back unto an aik, And thought it was a trusty tree; But first it bowed, and syne it brak, Sae my true love did lichtly me. The third movement returns to the slow, mournful mood of the first, with the choir singing in harmony and the piano providing a gentle accompaniment. The lyrics of the third verse are: O waly, waly, gin love be bonnie A little time while it is new, But when 'tis auld, it waxeth cauld And fades awa' like morning dew. Rutter's arrangement of 'O Waly, Waly' is characterized by its simple, yet effective harmonies and its use of contrasting tempos and moods. The piece is often performed by choirs around the world and has become a staple of the choral repertoire.

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