This edition was prepared by James Gibb — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Allen-a-Dale
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
Preview
0
0
Subscribed as
Want Sunday picks sent to another address too?
Free weekly email
Your choir should not be left out in what's trending
Sunday mass selections, psalms, and trending songs in your area — straight to your inbox.
Allen-a-Dale by Charles Harford Lloyd — Lyrics
AllenaDale has no faggot for burning,
Allenadale has no furrow for turning,
Allenadale has no fleece for the spinning;
Yet Allenadale has red gold for the winning.
Come read me my riddle, come hearken my tale,
And tell me the craft of bold AllenaDale.
The Baron of Ravensworth prances in pride,
And he views his domains upon Arkindale side,
The mere for his net, and the lamb for his game,
The chase for the wild, and the park for the tame;
Yet the fish of the lake, and the deer of the vale,
Are less free to Lord Dacre than AllenaDale.
AllenaDale was ne'er belted a knight,
Though his spur be as sharp, and his blade be as bright;
AllenaDale is no baron or lord,
Read full lyrics
About Allen-a-Dale
Charles Harford Lloyd's setting of Allen-a-Dale offers a charming exploration of a folk hero's independence. This SATB part-song, written in English, presents a secular text that celebrates Allen-a-Dale's freedom and resourcefulness, contrasting it with the possessions of the landed gentry. The music likely reflects the spirited and somewhat roguish character of the protagonist. It's a suitable choice for a concert program, perhaps as part of a set of British folksongs or at a festive gathering where such tales of cleverness and liberty would be appreciated.
