Oats, Peas, Beans And Barley Grow

Talk about your old folk songs! The historical indexes first mention it in 1380 England. We're talking the time of the 100 Years War. (Have you read The Pillars Of The Earth or World Without End? Yeah... Then!) It was originally a children's circle game song, acting out the farming story. But our arrangement goes at the song in a different way by alternating and combining voices with recorders.

This song is a common piece for mid-year in many recorder methods, using G, A, B, high C, and high D. It's also a great song to introduce 6/8 time, especially at this moderate tempo. We have set the two verses of the song in a gentle, wistful style that allows the recorders to play successfully and for the singers to produce a sweet, lyrical sound. We have even provided a simple countermelody for the recorders under the second vocal verse. What a great way to combine voices and recorders at the end of the year!