Collector: L. Broadwood and J. A. Fuller Maitland
Source: English Country Songs
Date of Composition: 1941 (pre-Dec. 14)
Publication: Tom Bowling and Other Song Arrangements, Benjamin Britten: Complete Folk Song Arrangements, Boosey & Hawkes 2001
Voice Difficulty Level: Moderate
Subject: A tall tale of a man who lived in a crocodile.
Range: B3 – G#5 (C4 – G#5)
Tessitura: E4 – D5
Tempo: Presto; 2/2
Duration: 05:43
Vocal Characteristics: A long story; character song; free sections followed by “tra, la, la” sections;
Piano Difficulty Level: Difficult
Accompaniment Characteristics: Jumps around keyboard; accompanied recitative-like sections; very quick quarter notes; some trills and rolled chords; chromatic alterations
Additional Comments: Multiple ascending key changes from verse to verse