Herbert Howells (1892–1983), an influential English composer of the 20th century, is celebrated for his contributions to choral, orchestral, and chamber music. Active during a period that included Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst, Howells is known for his distinctive harmonic language and emotional expressivity.
“King David” (1919), a song for solo voice and piano with text by Walter de la Mare, showcases Howells’s skill in crafting intimate and evocative vocal compositions. This work, written shortly after World War I, reflects the composer’s response to the emotional and social climate of the time. Howells’s setting of de la Mare’s text is characterized by its lyrical melodies, nuanced harmonic shifts, and sensitivity to the poetic narrative. Listen particularly to the way the nightingale is depicted in the upper piano writing.
In comparison to his contemporaries in the early 20th-century English art song tradition, such as Gerald Finzi or Ivor Gurney, Howells’s “King David” stands out for its introspective and introspective qualities. The piece serves as a testament to Howells’s ability to capture the essence of de la Mare’s poetry through music, creating a work that is both poignant and reflective. “King David” remains a compelling example of Howells’s contribution to the rich tapestry of English art song during this period.
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