She Moved Through The Fair (Trad. arr. Hughes) - Russell Malcolm

A traditional ballad collected and arranged by Herbert Hughes. Although this arrangement was first published in around 1909, it sounds remarkably modern in its sparse use of parallel harmony and open chords; yet the song holds on to its folk roots in its long pedal notes and its strophic form. Hughes creates the impression of an almost improvised lyrical freedom by alternating the extended metre between 6/4 and 9/4. The song has had so many reincarnations in the hands of folk singers, pop singers and classical singers that some people will not realize that Hughes' setting is the first. Modern listeners often prefer a grunged or folksy vocal style, but I've chosen to provide it straight, because there is no point in trying to cater for everyone's aesthetic preferences ... I think it's better if we just try and reflect the authenticity of the setting as best we can.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• ballad
• Irish
• Ireland
• She
• Moved
• traditional
• lovesong
• piano
• Folk Music
• Song
• Original
• Acoustic Music
• Loves

[lornabegbie]

Love it! Uncluttered, pure and satisfying. Lorna