5 Folksongs (Sopran.Horn.Piano) (1) O Soldier, Soldier - 2) O Waly Waly - 3) Keel Row - 4) Golden Slumbers - 5) John Peel These pieces were arranged in 2007 at the request of Frank Lloyd and were first performed in Essen Germany in October of that year. O Soldier Soldier was a popular song in Colonial America though it probably originated in England. It tells of a non-too-honest soldier refurbishing his wardrobe by suggesting to the fair maid that he may marry her once he is suitably kitted out. Only at this point does he reveal that he is already married. This version has an irregular march feel. O Waly Waly is probably of Scots origin. It tells of love that does not endure. This version is a meditative lament. Keel Row is from North-East England. A keel is a flat-bottomed boat used for carrying coal from the dykes or staiths upriver to the collier ships at berth in the harbour. The keelmen were famous for their hard lives, drinking and knocking their wives around. Hence The Sandgate lasss lamentation. This version is a virtuoso scherzo. Golden Slumbers is an English ballad written by the 16th-17th century poet and dramatist, Thomas Dekker. The song became popular as a lullaby. Thw words to John Peel were written in about 1850 by John Woodcock Graves who worked as the Master of Hounds for the real John Peel, a Cumbriam farmer famed for his enthusiasm for foxhunting. The song became a popular drawing room item in 19th century London. Performance notes: 1) O Soldier, Soldier: make sure that the quaver pulse remains constant through the changes of metre. Keep the tempo at a steady march time. The style should be crisp with clear, light articulation. 2) O Waly Waly: while aiming for a feeling of distant melancholy, do not allow the temo to flag; there should be a gentle flow to the music. 3) Keel Row: play lightly but with great panache. 4) Golden Slumbers: keep a gentle, restful mood throughout. 5) John Peel: the character of the music is suggested in the words; exaggerated style is to be encouraged.)
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