Poet: Herbert Asquith (1881-1947)
Source: Three early songs for medium voice and piano
Date of Composition: 1926
Publication: Faber Music Limited; © 1985 (post.)
Voice Difficulty Level: Moderate
Subject: Death will come despite hard work
Range: C4 – F5
Tessitura: F4 – C5
Tempo: Steady and rhythmic;
Duration: 00:45
Vocal Characteristics: Simple and descending vocal lines; some step-wise chromaticism
Piano Difficulty Level: Moderate
Accompaniment: Heavy triplet figures in both clefs; chromatic; unsupportive of vocal line in first 8 mm.; duple vs. triple rhythm between hands; bass clef heavy
Additional Comments: *Britten Thematic Catalog http://www.brittenproject.org/works/BTC404