Ralph Vaughan Williams

Six Studies in English Folk Song

Originally written in 1926 for cellist May Mukle with piano accompaniment, this collection follows the same format for each of the six English folk songs: presentation of the tune in the solo line, followed by a full iteration of the folk song in the piano with an ornamented solo line. Writing that his aim in setting the songs was for them to be "treated with love," Williams also transcribed these songs for violin, viola, and clarinet (all three available from the publisher along with the cello version) among other instruments. This version for double bass and piano has been edited by Lucas Drew. The first five songs in the collection are slow and quiet while the sixth, in contrast, is marked Allegro Vivace.

Songs: I. Lovely on the Water, II. Spurn Point, III. Van Dieman's Land, IV. The Lady and the Dragon, V. She Borrowed Some of Her Mother's Gold, VI. As I walked over London Bridge.