SP1005
Cauld blaws the wind
Music: Sheena Phillips, Words: Robert Burns (1759-1796)
Voicing: SATB
Performance time approx: 1m 40s
Range S: d' – d'' / A: a – g' / T: d – d' / B: A – a
Price code: B
Complexity:
Here’s a great little piece for a winter programme – brisk and energetic, with a folk feel. Other tunes exist; this one is original. Alto, tenor and bass parts play the part of the wind, while the sopranos take the tune. To fill the piece out a little, repeat the final chorus pianissimo e morendo. The piece sings well in E minor if the D minor tessitura is low for your group.
The recording is by Rudsambee Company of Singers, directed by the arranger.
Cauld blaws the wind frae east to wast,
[wast — west]
The drift is driving sairly;[drift — wind-driven snow]
Sae loud and shrill's I hear the blast,
I'm sure it's winter fairly.
Up in the morning's no' for me,
Up in the morning early;
When a' the hills are covered wi' snaw,[a' — all, wi' snaw — with snow]
I'm sure it's winter fairly.
The birds sit chittering in the thorn, [chittering — shivering]
A' day they fare but sparely;
And lang's the night frae e'en to morn,[frae — from]
I'm sure it's winter fairly.
Robert Burns
(often published under the title Up in the morning)