I Lov'd a Lass [HL:48008933]

Text: George Wither

Publisher: Boosey & Hawkes

Difficulty level: 2

These [I Lov'd a Lass & Lift Boy] are two delightful and contrasted part-songs for choir and piano which ought to be a gift to choirs looking for rare secular repertoire for their concert programmes. I lov'd a lass is full of fun, while the challenge lies in the regularly changing metre. The choirs first bar is in 7/8 and is followed by 5/4 and then 3/4. Later on Britten gives us 3/4, 7/8, 11/8, 4/4, 5/4, 7/8, 4/4 in successive bars but this all adds to the entertainment. There are lots of portamenti too in what adds up to a passionate little piece.

Duration: 2 minutes (I Lov'd a Lass)

Paul Spicer, Lichfield, 2011