A traditional English folk song which tells of a soldiers' resentment over being sent to fight in Europe, and attempting to pursuade their lover to join them overseas in "High Germany". Like many traditional songs (and as alluded to in the words) this has its origins in the military, so adopts a general marching rhythm. However the arrangement makes the most of the resonating bass frequencies of the classical guitar, allowing the true conveyance of its melancholy predicament at the same time. This works well in the intimate setting of a folk club but also makes a great study piece for music grades and would also appropriately fit as a soundtrack to historical exhibits, sites and documentaries.

High Germany

Taken from the 1978 movie "Grease" and originally performed by Olivia Newton-John in her seminal solo performance. The song is written in an almost "50s doowop" style, however it also demonstrates a modern and sophisticated sense of harmony and structure. The song performed well internationally, reaching number one in several countries, and has been subject to multiple cover versions since its release.

Hopelessly Devoted to You

Quick study piece which works a melody around a standard country chord progression and includes a "jazzy tail" at the end.

Acoustic Sketch

Song by Alan Feanch and Ted Atking. You might recognize it from the 'Story Teller' cassette tapes and (apparently) a TV show called 'Jigsaw'.

Children's Carnival

Third track from their Abbey Road album and written by Paul McCartney. The songs' major key with an upbeat tempo stands in (deliberately) ironic contrast to the macabre lyrical theme, that of a mass murderer. To this end the song seeks to illustrate how even the most promising of prospects can often go wrong. Perhaps almost as notorious is the amount of time the band spent recording it, having dedicated a total of four(!) sessions to getting it perfect and precipitating universal resentment from the rest of the band. Worth it though, what a cracker!

Maxwell's Silver Hammer

One of the oldest known songs in the English language (dating back to the #thirteenth century) this was 'rediscovered' in the Bodleian Library some seven hundred years after it was written and has since become a well known #englishfolk standard. The author is unknown. Lyrically it is a lament to the fleeting joys of summer as the winter months approach, comforting to see not much has changed I suppose!

Mirie it is while sumer ilast

One of my favourite songs by the Motown legend. It has a beautiful "summery yet sad" feel, like an ode to loss but which still looks hopefully forward to the future. A co-write between Wonder, Sylvia Moy and Henry Cosby, it was his eighth top ten hit and was re recorded/released with both Spanish and Italian lyrics.

Stevie Wonder - My Cherie Amour

Written by Brian Wilson and from the Album of the same name, this was released as a single in July 1963. It is reportedly the first ever song its author came up with, however this is refuted by his former school friends, some of whom recall numerous songs prior to this classic. Initially in the key of Dmajor and adopting a general "waltz/shuffle" rhythm, it has elements of doowop via lush lead harmonies, building in intensity to culminate in a modulation to E flat major in the latter half. It is allegedly based on "When You Wish Upon a Star" and more specifically a 'Dion and the Belmonts' reinterpretation of said tune, which I would agree is definitely noticeable once mentioned.

Surfer Girl - the Beach Boys (Piano cover)

Released in July 2021, this song was co written by Ed Sheeran with Johnny McDaid, Steve Mac and Jenna Andrews. It's a classic piece of bubblegum pop from the group, delivering their signature positive and upbeat energy with its fast tempo and major key. The song performed well, becoming their 5th song to exceed 100 million streams in Japan, and was even performed by the group at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in September 2022.  

Permission to Dance

This is my account featuring mp3 samples of my sheet music, which you can purchase via the 'Buy' button under each track.

High Germany

MelodyToNotation

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