This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Beautiful May
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Beautiful May by Otto Booth — Lyrics
Brightly the sunbeams sparkle
Over the waving trees,
Softly the shadows darken
Under the whispering leaves.
Hark! how the birds are singing
Merry and sweet and gay.
Hark! how their notes are thrilling
Ever a welcome to May.
Beautiful May, beautiful May,
Chasing the clouds away,
Beautiful May, beautiful May,
Sunny and bright and gay.
Blossoms and buds are blushing
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About Beautiful May
Otto Booth's SATB partsong, Beautiful May, immediately establishes a bright and cheerful mood, its vocal lines dancing with a lightness that evokes the fresh, awakening spirit of spring. The music captures the imagery of the text, depicting sparkling sunbeams, waving trees, and the joyous songs of birds. The composer employs rich harmonies and a flowing melodic style to paint a vivid sonic picture of May's arrival, with its blossoming flowers and departure of winter's gloom. The interplay between the four voices creates a full yet transparent texture, allowing the celebratory message of the lyrics to shine through. This secular English piece is a delightful evocation of nature's reawakening and the simple pleasures of a sunny day.
