Ralph Vaughan Williams: English People Tune Suite
Context
In addition to appreciating British landscapes and heritage, Ralph Vaughan Williams was additionally sentimental about Britain’s musical historical past. Navy bands have been on the rise once more, and thus in 1923, Vaughan Williams composed his English People Tune Suite for them. Though fashionable in most wind orchestras, it’s the totally orchestrated model by Gordon Jacob that we primarily hear in live performance halls at the moment (please notice this weblog shall be exploring the orchestral model of this work).
The unique navy band model was revealed below the title People Tune Suite, and was premiered on 4th July 1923 at Kneller Corridor. 1924 noticed Vaughan Williams’ pupil Gordon Jacob assemble the orchestral model, which was revealed below the title English People Tune Suite. In 1956, Frank Wright revealed a model for brass band below the title English People Songs Suite. All three variations have been revealed by Boosey & Hawkes. Though all revealed below barely differing names, the music stays constant all through.
Consisting of three actions, every of that are primarily based on a foremost folks tune, every motion explores a few of the most quintessential British folks tunes of the time. In Vaughan Williams’ authentic rating there was a fourth motion referred to as Sea Songs, which was carried out because the second motion, nonetheless this was eliminated after the premiere efficiency.
Vaughan Williams then labored on the discarded motion and revealed it as a stand alone piece some years later.
The Music
I. March: Seventeen Come Sunday
The opening motion is predicated on the folks tune Seventeen Come Sunday, which is first heard by the woodwinds and strings. The irregular phrasing of this melody provides to the syncopated quirkiness of the march. Because the music rapidly comes down the melody of Seventeen Come Sunday is adopted by Fairly Caroline, which is led by a solo clarinet.
A 3rd folks tune, Dives and Lazarus is then performed by the decrease devices as a countermelody to the fluttering prime half of the ensemble. What makes this specific part so thrilling is that Vaughan Williams writes the Dives and Lazarus countermelody in 6/8 rhythms, with the higher orchestra taking part in straight 2/4 rhythms. The sense of uneasiness is quickly relieved because the reprise begins.
The opening motion ends with a whole-ensemble quick notes earlier than an extended notice is held throughout the orchestra.
II. Intermezzo: My Bonny Boy
Primarily based on the melody of My Bonny Boy, the gradual and mysterious second motion is opened with a solo oboe. The haunting melody is ready within the F dorian mode, which accentuates the folks roots within the music. The melody is then repeated by the decrease orchestra because the higher strings accompany with a candy and shimmering countermelody.
Because the orchestra construct and swell in sound collectively, a solo violin leads the music into the Poco allegro part. Primarily based on the theme of Inexperienced Bushes, this waltz part relieves a whole lot of the stress that was felt in the beginning of the motion. The sweetness of the higher winds provides to this impact and the jollity seeps via the ensemble.
The primary melody of My Bonny Boy is performed as soon as extra, this time in a way more fragmented method. The mysterious environment rapidly descends via the orchestra as soon as extra, and the music is drawn to a quiet shut.
III. March: People Songs from Somerset
Opening with a catchy introduction primarily based on the folks tune Blow Away the Morning Dew, the clarinet (or cornet) takes the solo line. The melody is handed across the orchestra and repeated 4 occasions. The second melody, primarily based on Excessive Germany, is led by the decrease devices , with the trumpets including a glowing fanfare on prime.
Because the orchestra climax for the primary time on this motion, the music rapidly dies away and the opening melody is heard as soon as once more. A change in each key and time takes the orchestra into the trio part. Primarily based on the melody Whistle, Daughter, Whistle, the sunshine trio part makes for a welcome change from the brash opening two folks songs.
The ultimate melody is predicated on John Barleycorn, and is the heaviest of all of the melodies on this motion. The trombones and basses cleared the path on this part earlier than the trumpets and cornets play an ornamental melody above. The motion ends with a reprise of the opening materials earlier than a closing large chord is performed from the entire orchestra.
Remaining Ideas
Ralph Vaughan Williams’ English People Tune Suite is filled with quintessential British folks songs that take you on a whirlwind of various tales and feelings. From the glowing opening of Seventeen on Sunday, to the dulcet tones of My Bonny Boy, the entire suite is a real cultural delight.
Ⓒ Alex Burns
Completely satisfied Studying!
Picture Supply
You may additionally take pleasure in… Gustav Holst: St Paul’s Suite
Really useful Recordings:
