Poet: Rudyard Kipling* (1869-1936)
Source: 12 Songs for the Mezzo-Soprano and Contralto Voice
Date of Composition: c. 1922
Publication: Home Songs 21 Kirkley Cliff Rd. Lowestoft; not available for performance
Voice Difficulty Level: Moderate
Subject: Sarcastic tribute to the African Fuzzy-Wuzzy who, despite their heathenism, fought bravely against the British.
Range: A3 – F#5
Tessitura: D4 – D5
Tempo: no indication; 12/8
Duration: 02:20
Vocal Characteristics: Measure of sustained F5-sharp; dialect; militaristic rhythms, but jovial; some sixteenth and eighth syncopation; a few chromatic lines
Piano Difficulty Level: Moderate
Accompaniment Characteristics: Fairly chordal; some inside voice independence; some syncopation; very marcato
Additional Comments: Britten Thematic Catalog http://www.brittenproject.org/works/BTC21