Folk music, with its memorable melodies and words telling the stories of ordinary people’s lives, has been an inspiration for many composers. We have chosen Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite, Fantasia on Greensleeves and John Rutter’s The Sprig of Thyme to represent traditional British music. These pieces include well-known favourites, including ‘The Miller of Dee’ and ‘Willow Song’. Crossing the seas, Aaron Copland’s Old American Songs – including the popular Shaker song ‘Simple Gifts’ – are based on American folk, religious and political themes. In contrast, Gustav Holst’s Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda explore ancient Indian religious music. Conducted by David Pipe with the York Musical Society Orchestra.
Gustav Holst Choral Hymns from Rig Veda, Group 1
Ralph Vaughan Williams English Folk Song Suite
Aaron Copland Old American Songs, First Set
Ralph Vaughan Williams Fantasia on Greensleeves
John Rutter The Sprig of Thyme
