Bedfordshire
May carol
“I've been a-rambling all the night ...” — a song from the
centuries-old tradition of May Day celebrations. A foot-stomping folk-style
arrangement by Sheena Phillips, featuring
very basic harmonies, duets between various pairs of voices, and a repeated
chorus, with optional instrumental parts to spice things up further. SATB
with optional soprano recorder & violin, 2m 00s.
The
gowans are gay
An old Scottish song of springtime and (unsuccessful) courtship, set by
Katy Cooper. A strumming bass line ostinato
and simple harmonies in the upper part comment on the story as it is told
by two soloists. A jazzy tutti refrain makes its appearance several
times. SATTB, 2m 50s.
Searching
for lambs
A youth — with marriage on his mind — waylays a young girl as she goes
to feed her father's lambs. This is Douglas Cook's
arrangement of a traditional spring song, with an arching melody and lilting
5/4 and 3/4 rhythm. It ends promisingly with a pledge of marriage! SATB,
2m 00s.
Green
grow the rushes, O
“The sweetest hours that I ever spend, Are spent among the lasses,
O” — a Robert Burns song in a charming setting by New Zealand composer Jonathan
Crehan. SATB with piano, 2m 30s.
The
winter it is past
“My love is like the sun, in the firmament does run, Forever is constant
and true; But his is like the moon that wanders up and down, And every
month it is new.” — Burns' revision of a traditional ballad,
arranged by Sheena Phillips. SATB, 2m 30s.
The sweet o' the year
“When daffodils begin to peer ...” — a lively and passionate spring song from The Winter's Tale, set by Sheena Phillips. SATB, 1m 30s.
