La belle dame sans merci (1996) for soprano and ensemble

Text by Keats

Duration: c.5 minutes

O what can ail thee, knight-at-arms
Alone and palely loitering
The sedge has withered from the lake
And no birds sing

This was commissioned for singer Mary Weigold's Song Book, an ongoing project for the Composers Ensemble, who have commissioned vocal settings from many British Composers for the collection.

The work is scored for Eb and Bb clarinets, viola, cello and bass. It is cast in twelve short sections forming an arch back to the opening.

Other Vocal and Choral Music:
Dreams for Marcie
Judith's Doubt and Resolve
Every Day You Play
Diversity