The Winter Owl

Description

Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Bass, Piano — The text for The Winter Owl is adapted from William Shakespeare’s play Love’s Labour’s Lost. Shakespeare vividly describes the winter season, and how both humankind and animals deal with the frigid temperatures and chilling wind. All the while, a solitary owl hoots merrily in the distance. Since the text was written in the late sixteenth century, there are a few phrases that may be unfamiliar to the modern reader, such as:"Shepherd blows his nail." Hexa0blows on his hands, or fingernails, to keep them warm."The ways be foul." The roads are treacherous from the winter weather."Keel the pot." Stir the pot to keep it from boiling over."Coughing drowns the parson’s saw." The coughing of the congregation drowns out the pastor’s long-winded sermon."Roasted crabs hiss in the bowl." Refers to roasted crab apples used to make a warm cider-like drink.The music affords numerous opportunities to explore expressive and dynamic contrasts while depicting the various wintry scenes. The music should remain light and dance-like throughout, particularly in the syncopated refrain where we hear the owl’s merry note. Thomas' compelling setting of The Winter Owl, adapted from a play by William Shakespeare, vividly describes the winter season and how both humankind and animals deal with the frigid temperatures and chilling wind. All the while, a solitary owl hoots merrily in the distance. Great for holiday or concert/festival season! Also available for S(S)A Treble Voices (BL1249)

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