Music from the English pastoral tradition with strong references to the folk song tradition composed in a 6/8 time. Salix was originally a work compo Show More...
Music from the English pastoral tradition with strong references to the folk song tradition composed in a 6/8 time. Salix was originally a work composed for organ in 1937 becoming part of the Plymouth Suite which dates from 1939. In ABA form it is a beautifully crafted movement evidencing the excellent musical training in place in England in the composer's time. The repeat of the A section is a varied repeat. The chordal element is strong as are the musical lines which are woven into the musical texture. The word Salix references the Weeping Willow tree and the music has several modal references particularly evident at cadences. The music needs to be played with a legato touch. The arrangement for flute and piano keeps to the original key whilst piano accompaniments are in place playing at 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. There are a number of octave transpositions in the flute part to keep within the instrument’s range. Percy Whitlock (1902 – 1946) was an English composer known for his contributions to the light music and church repertoires. He was both a civic and church organist and a railway enthusiast. He often used the pseudonym Kenneth Lark when writing. Sadly his life was cut short by TB. Close
