The Gallant Weaver

In its original scoring for mixed voices MacMillan's The Gallant Weaver has become a favourite; this arrangement now extends the setting to upper voices. Paul Spicer comments, 'This ideal introduction to MacMillan’s secular choral music is rich in Scottish flavour, appropriate to its Robert Burns text. Characteristic vocal elements are the ornamental inflections drawn from Scottish folk music and Gaelic psalmody, and the overall mood is one of tranquillity.' The poem celebrates love and the joys of nature: '... While birds rejoice in leafy bowers; While bees delight in op ning flowers; While corn grows green in simmer showers, I love my gallant Weaver.'