Composer

:

Arnold Bax

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1942

Average_duration

:

11:29

Movement_count

:

5

Movement ....

Arnold Bax's 'Greek Folk Songs (5)' is a collection of five songs for voice and piano, composed in 1916. The songs were premiered in London in 1917, with the composer accompanying the singer. The five movements are titled 'The Peloponnesian Maidens', 'The Enchanted Valley', 'The Island of Cephalonia', 'The Maiden and the Nightingale', and 'The Dance of Suliote Women'. The first movement, 'The Peloponnesian Maidens', is a lively and rhythmic song that captures the spirit of the traditional dances of the region. The second movement, 'The Enchanted Valley', is a haunting and atmospheric piece that evokes the mysterious beauty of the Greek landscape. The third movement, 'The Island of Cephalonia', is a tender and lyrical song that expresses the longing of a lover for his distant beloved. The fourth movement, 'The Maiden and the Nightingale', is a delicate and intimate piece that tells the story of a young woman who listens to the nightingale's song and dreams of love. The final movement, 'The Dance of Suliote Women', is a lively and energetic dance that celebrates the strength and beauty of the women of the Suliote region. Bax's 'Greek Folk Songs (5)' is characterized by its use of traditional Greek melodies and rhythms, which the composer skillfully weaves into his own musical language. The songs are also notable for their vivid and evocative depictions of the Greek landscape and culture, which reflect Bax's own fascination with the country and its people. Overall, 'Greek Folk Songs (5)' is a charming and engaging collection of songs that showcases Bax's talent for blending traditional folk music with his own unique style.

More....