A Somerset Rhapsody

Written at the peak of the intense interest in folk music in early 20th-century Britain, Holst's A Somerset Rhapsody draws upon tunes collected by Cecil Sharp in his travels throughout the natural beauty of southwest England. Holst chose three of these folk songs that are seamlessly presented in this arrangement: the pensive Sheep Shearing Song; the bold High Germany; and the doleful The True Lover's Farewell. Penned in 1906,  this displays definite hints of the iconic First Suite in E-flat (1909) and Second Suite in F (1911) for military band soon to come. This arrangement is an excellent way to introduce your students to the music of Holst. (2:50)