Poet: William Blake (1757-1827)
Source: Songs and Proverbs of William Blake
Date of Composition: 1965 (Apr. 6)
Publication: Faber, 1965
Voice Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult
Subject: Introspective view on how one’s life can mimick that of a fly.
Range: Bb3 – F#5
Tessitura: Bb4 – D5
Tempo: Moderately quick; 3/4 – 4/4
Duration: 01:55
Vocal Characteristics: Legato, elegant melody in step-wise motion; chromatic scale; whole tone scale; bouncy F#5;
Piano Difficulty Level: Difficult
Accompaniment Characteristics: Off-set sixteenth notes in an inner voice; all treble clef; outer voices in thirds or seconds in both hands
Additional Comments: Prior to Proverb VI, the indication is attacca senza pausa in the manuscript