Composer

:

Roger Quilter

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1914

Average_duration

:

1:13

'Amaryllis at the fountain, Op. 15/2' is a song composed by Roger Quilter, a British composer known for his art songs. The song was composed in 1905 and premiered the same year. It is part of a collection of six songs called 'To Julia', which are settings of poems by Robert Herrick. The song is in the key of F major and has a moderate tempo. It is written for a high voice and piano accompaniment. The song has three distinct sections or movements. The first section is slow and lyrical, with the voice singing the opening line "Amaryllis, by the water". The piano accompaniment is gentle and flowing, evoking the image of a peaceful fountain. The second section is faster and more rhythmic, with the voice singing "Fain would I cool me in the stream". The piano accompaniment becomes more lively and playful, imitating the sound of water splashing and bubbling. The voice and piano alternate between short phrases, creating a sense of dialogue between the two. The final section returns to the slower tempo of the opening, with the voice singing "And there in midst of all thy mirth". The piano accompaniment becomes more complex, with arpeggios and runs that suggest the movement of water. The song ends with a gentle cadence, as the voice sings "Thou smilest, Amaryllis, by the water". Overall, 'Amaryllis at the fountain, Op. 15/2' is a charming and evocative song that captures the beauty and tranquility of a garden fountain. Quilter's use of melody, rhythm, and harmony creates a vivid musical picture that complements the text of the poem. The song is a testament to Quilter's skill as a composer of art songs and his ability to capture the essence of a text in music.

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