Through bushes and through briars I lately took my way (from Four Songs for Ralph Vaughan Williams) — sheet music PDF

This melancholy tune is one of the first folk tunes collected by Ralph Vaughan Williams, dating to 4th December 1903, arranged for piano to celebrate RVW's 150th birthday in 2022.

Through bushes and through briars I lately took my way

All for to hear the small birds sing and the lambs to skip and play.

Although the opening lyrics might sound cheerful, this is another melancholy tune, and its long held notes invited an accompaniment that filled in the gaps. This rhythmic interplay, with its hints of Dave Brubeck, led to the piece taking on a slightly jazzy air: play the solo in bars 39-54 with plenty of rhythmic flair, or make up your own!

Key/mode: F aeolian

Metre: 3/4

Tempo: Adagio

Characteristic features: folk tune, modal, syncopation, jazz-inspired harmony

Space for improvisation: Yes

Difficulty: Grade 5