The Willow Song

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Text: Shakespeare Othello Act IV scene iii

The poor soul sat sighing by a sycamore tree,
Sing all a green willow;
Her hand on her bosom, her head on her knee,
Sing willow, willow, willow:
The fresh streams ran by her, and murmur'd her moans;
Sing willow, willow, willow;
Her salt tears fell from her, and soften'd the stones;
Sing willow, willow, willow;
Sing all a green willow must be my garland.

 

 

This piece was performed on Octarium’s The Shakespeare Concert, May 2004 and Listener's Choice, February 2011.

 

This piece is also featured on Octarium's self-titled debut recording.