Het oudje aan het spinnewiel
Staff Notation • Secular, Ballades
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Het oudje aan het spinnewiel by Ernst Wettig-Weissenborn — Lyrics
About Het oudje aan het spinnewiel
The spinner's wheel sets a gentle, pulsing rhythm which underpins this Dutch ballad. Wettig-Weissenborn’s SATB setting contrasts the present quietude of the old woman with the vibrant memories evoked by the spinning wheel, which sings of her past youth and loves. The texture often features imitative entries, suggesting the murmuring of the wheel and the flow of thread, whilst also creating a rich harmonic colour. The words speak of how the wheel’s song conjures memories of youthful days and the joys of marriage and motherhood. The piece ends as the old woman's song is suddenly interrupted.