Shepherd’s Hey (English Morris Dance)

Percy Aldridge Grainger, edited by R. Mark Rogers

Shepherd’s Hey is a lively arrangement of a traditional English Morris dance tune, brought to life by the Australian-born composer and pianist Percy Aldridge Grainger. Grainger, known for his imaginative and often unconventional arrangements of folk music, was deeply inspired by the rich musical traditions of England, despite his global travels and diverse influences.

Grainger’s "Shepherd's Hey" is a celebration of English folk music, preserving the essence of the Morris dance tradition while infusing it with his unique compositional style. Morris dancing, with its origins in rural English communities, involves rhythmic stepping and choreographed figures by a group of dancers, usually accompanied by lively folk tunes played on instruments such as fiddles, accordions, and pipes.

Percy Aldridge Grainger (1882 – 1961) was an Australian-born composer, pianist, and conductor renowned for his innovative contributions to music and his avid interest in folk music traditions. Grainger's early musical education was overseen by his mother, Rose, a formidable influence in his life, who nurtured his prodigious talents. He later studied piano at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt, Germany, where he began to develop his distinctive musical voice.

In the early 20th century, Grainger moved to London, where he became part of the vibrant musical scene and befriended composers such as Edvard Grieg, who greatly influenced his work. It was during this period that Grainger started collecting and arranging English folk songs, a passion that would define much of his career. His innovative approach often involved complex rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and imaginative orchestrations.

In 1914, Grainger moved to the United States, where he continued his dual career as a performer and composer. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1918 and served in the U.S. Army during World War I. Grainger spent his later years in White Plains, New York, where he continued to compose, teach, and experiment with new musical ideas until his death in 1961.