Work
Three Shakespeare Songs
for SS (or SA) choir and piano
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This work also exists in a version for soprano or mezzo-soprano and piano.
The lyrics of these three songs are found in two of Shakespeare’s most well known comedies: the first two in Much Ado About Nothing and the third in As You Like It. Frustratingly little is known about the music performed on Shakespeare’s stage. No instrumental music has been preserved and even descriptions of the kinds of music to be played are sparse. Only a dozen or so of his songs exist in contemporary settings and most are not known to have actually been used in Shakespeare’s own productions. However, his lyrics have been set to music subsequently by many composers. The composer’s intention here has been to capture the spirit of the words in the music.
Difficulty note
This work is suitable for any SS or SSA singers. All the songs are appropriate for secondary school choirs.
Contents note
Three songs:
I. Sigh no more, ladies
II. Pardon, goddess of the night
III. Blow, blow thou winter wind
Text note
Text by William Shakespeare