MUSIC OF THE 20TH CENTURY
LESSONS FOUR & FIVE:
British Art Song, and something a bit Traditional.
British Art Song, and something a bit Traditional.
We're having a look at the 'art song' traditions as they were developing in England in the 1900's. Famous poets would often have their works set to music by famous composers. In today's lesson, we're listening to the British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams' setting of the poems of Robert Louis Stevenson - you know - the guy who wrote the classic novel 'Treasure Island' (Arrgggg)!
These poems, The Songs of Travel, are sung beautifully in the listening excerpt below by Welsh Bass-Baritone Bryn Terfel… (Years ago, this guy won the 'Cardiff Singer of the World' contest! Have a listen to what the 'best singer on the planet' apparently sounds like!) Later, we'll have a sing ourselves… The Christmas carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, was set to the tune of a traditional folk song 'Forest Green' by Vaughan-Williams as well. Time to get *festive*! |
LISTENING:
'The Songs of Travel' by Ralph Vaughan Williams
'O Little town of Bethlehem' arranged from a folk song, by Ralph Vaughan-Williams
'The Songs of Travel' by Ralph Vaughan Williams
'O Little town of Bethlehem' arranged from a folk song, by Ralph Vaughan-Williams