The Brook (Slow Glides the Stream, Slow Droops the Boat)

Poet: Matthew Arnold (1822-1888)

Source:  single manuscript

Date of Composition:  1926 (Sep.)

Publication:  manuscript; not available for performance

Voice Difficulty Level: Moderate

Subject:  Wandering down the brook with your love

Range:  E4 – G5

Tessitura:  G4 – E5

Tempo:  Allegro con moto; 4/4

Duration:  02:00

Vocal Characteristics: Long sustained melody; mostly descending lines; well-crafted vocal line; chromatic, step-wise motion

Piano Difficulty Level:  n/a

Accompaniment Characteristics: (Solo violin; no piano) Moving triplet figures; heavy chromaticism

Additional Characteristics: Britten Thematic Catalog http://www.brittenproject.org/works/BTC451

© Nicholas Perna and Mandy Spivak 2013