Three Shakespeare Songs - Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872 - 1958)

 

Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Shakespeare Songs, written in 1951 towards the end of his life, are a triumph of a capella composition.   The words for the first two songs are taken from The Tempest, and for the final one from A Midsummer Night’s Dream.  The ethereal, rather eerie Full Fathom Five conveys the effect of underwater voices and bells .  This is followed by the serene and stately Cloud Capp’d Towers which contrasts beautifully with the blithe and brisk Over Hill.

 
 
 

 Samir Savant

Chairman

Pegasus

www.pegasusmusic.org.uk

 

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