William Mathias: Serenade
Context
Welsh composer, William Mathias, composed Serenade in 1963. Although largely remembered for his large catalogue of choral music, Mathias also wrote a number of orchestral works, including three seldom performed symphonies.
The Music
Serenade is an intensely pastoral work that is split into three contrasting movements.
Movement I
The opening movement, marked ‘Allegretto’, starts with a flourish from the orchestra before a solo oboe takes the melodic reigns. The sweet and cheeky theme is passed around the woodwind before settling with the violins. The constant harp accompaniment adds a new dimension to the music, with the flowing feeling always being constant. Warm brass add to the mix and the movement develops Mathias’ theme.
Movement II
The slower second movement opens with a heavy theme accompaniment first by the harp, who is then joined by the strings. The pastoral style is the most prevalent in this movement, with themes representing those from some English composers past, such as Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst. The quiet theme is effective and this central movement is such a joy to listen to.
Movement III
Opening with a fiery trumpet theme, the finale gives us the burst of energy we’ve all been waiting for. The added tambourine accompaniment adds a festive feel to the mix, with the cheeky trumpet tune returning between transitions. After a final reprise of the theme Serenade is brought to an exciting close.
Ⓒ Alex Burns
Happy Reading!
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