I Lov'd a Lass - from Two Part-Songs (1932)

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