Johnny has Gone for a Soldier

Description

Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto, Piano — The melody of this classic folk tune dates back to late 17th-century Ireland. Known as Shule Aroon, this song depicts the lament of a woman over her partner leaving to join the military. The song would eventually make its way to the American colonies where it would take on the lyrics we know today. While originally popularized during the American Revolution, Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier speaks to the difficult sacrifices that both soldiers and the ones who stay behind must make.While maintaining the minor feel of the original song, this adaptation sets the familiar text to a newly composed tune and follows each verse with a refrain on the phrase “he’s gone.” The original tune eventually appears during the third verse, serving as a countermelody above the newly composed line. Thomas' setting of this familiar text to a newly composed tune is for burgeoning SSA choirs. Johnny has Gone for a Soldier is sure to engage and enhance skills during the musical-learning journey and have a positive performance impact!

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