Violet Archer
Folksongs (10)
Works Info
Composer:Violet ArcherGenre:KeyboardStyle:KeyboardCompose Date:1953Average_duration:8:15Movement_count:10Movement ....'Folksongs (10)' is a composition by Canadian composer Violet Archer. It was composed in 1950 and premiered in the same year. The piece consists of ten movements, each based on a different folk song from various cultures around the world. The first movement, 'The Water is Wide', is a traditional English folk song. Archer's arrangement features a simple, flowing melody in the piano accompanied by a lyrical vocal line. The second movement, 'The Lass from the Low Country', is a Scottish folk song. Archer's arrangement is more complex, with a syncopated piano accompaniment and a vocal line that alternates between legato and staccato phrases. The third movement, 'The Miller of Dee', is an English folk song. Archer's arrangement features a playful, rhythmic piano accompaniment and a vocal line that emphasizes the humor of the lyrics. The fourth movement, 'The Ash Grove', is a Welsh folk song. Archer's arrangement is more contemplative, with a gentle piano accompaniment and a vocal line that emphasizes the beauty of the melody. The fifth movement, 'The Foggy Dew', is an Irish folk song. Archer's arrangement features a haunting piano accompaniment and a vocal line that conveys the sadness and longing of the lyrics. The sixth movement, 'The Colorado Trail', is an American folk song. Archer's arrangement is more upbeat, with a lively piano accompaniment and a vocal line that captures the adventurous spirit of the lyrics. The seventh movement, 'The Erie Canal', is an American folk song. Archer's arrangement features a driving piano accompaniment and a vocal line that emphasizes the hard work and determination of the canal workers. The eighth movement, 'The Banks of the Ohio', is an American folk song. Archer's arrangement is more somber, with a sparse piano accompaniment and a vocal line that conveys the tragedy of the lyrics. The ninth movement, 'The Riddle Song', is an English folk song. Archer's arrangement features a playful piano accompaniment and a vocal line that emphasizes the cleverness of the lyrics. The tenth and final movement, 'The Last Rose of Summer', is an Irish folk song. Archer's arrangement is more introspective, with a gentle piano accompaniment and a vocal line that conveys the melancholy of the lyrics. Overall, 'Folksongs (10)' is a diverse and engaging collection of arrangements that showcases Archer's skill as a composer and her appreciation for the rich musical traditions of various cultures.More....