Composer

:

Benjamin Britten

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Folk Song

Average_duration

:

2:46

"Little Sir William" is a folk song arranged by Benjamin Britten for voice and piano. The composition was completed in 1943 and premiered in the same year. The song is part of Britten's collection of folk song arrangements, which he created to preserve and promote traditional English music. The piece is in a simple A-B-A form, with the first and third sections being identical and the middle section providing contrast. The melody is based on a traditional English tune, and Britten's arrangement features a simple, yet effective piano accompaniment that supports the vocal line. The song tells the story of a young boy named William who is murdered by his own mother. The lyrics are haunting and dark, with a sense of foreboding that is reflected in the music. Britten's arrangement captures the eerie atmosphere of the story, with dissonant harmonies and a sparse, haunting melody. The first section of the song features a simple, repetitive melody that is sung in unison. The piano accompaniment is sparse, with a few chords that provide a sense of tension and unease. The middle section of the song provides contrast, with a more complex melody and a more active piano accompaniment. The final section returns to the simple, repetitive melody of the first section, but with a sense of finality and resolution. Overall, "Little Sir William" is a haunting and powerful piece of music that showcases Britten's skill as a composer and arranger. The piece is a testament to the enduring power of traditional English music, and it remains a popular choice for singers and pianists today.

More....