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樂曲解說

創作於 20 世紀初英國民謠研究與蒐集熱潮的高峰時期，《薩默塞特狂想曲》取材自 Cecil Sharp 在英格蘭西南部、風景秀麗的薩默塞特地區旅行時所蒐集的民謠（本作亦題獻給他）。Holst 從中挑選了三首民歌，並在此編曲中自然流暢地串聯呈現：沉思內省的〈Sheep Shearing Song〉、氣勢鮮明的〈High Germany〉，以及哀婉動人的〈The True Lover’s Farewell〉。
完成於 1906 年 的《薩默塞特狂想曲》，已可清楚看出日後即將誕生的經典作品——《降 E 大調第一組曲》（1909）與《F 大調第二組曲》（1911）——的風格端倪。由 Douglas E. Wagner 所改編的此版本，是引導學生認識 Holst 音樂世界的絕佳入門之作。

Written at the peak of the early 20th century period of intense folk music interest in Great Britain, A Somerset Rhapsody draws upon tunes collected by Cecil Sharp (to whom the work is dedicated) in his travels throughout that area of exceptional natural beauty in Southwest England. Holst chose three of these folk songs that are seamlessly presented in this arrangement: the pensive “Sheep Shearing Song,” the bold “High Germany,” and the doleful “The True Lover’s Farewell.” Penned in 1906, A Somerset Rhapsody displays definite hints of the iconic First Suite in E-flat (1909) and Second Suite in F (1911) for military band soon to come. This arrangemment by Douglas E. Wagner, is an excellent way to introduce your students to the music of Holst.

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