The Lady of Shalott - References in Music

References in Music

• The first was probably a setting for chorus and orchestra by the English composer Cyril Rootham, composed in 1909-10. The only known performance of this work was given in the School Hall at Eton College on 18 September 1999, with the Broadheath Singers and the Windsor Sinfonia conducted by Robert Tucker.
• Canadian singer Loreena McKennitt adapted the poem to music, and featured it on her 1991 album, The Visit.
• The song titled "Shalott" by Emilie Autumn tells the poem from her own perspective, where she quotes the Lady of Shalott as saying "But then, I could have guessed it all along, 'cause now some drama queen is gonna write a song for me." She uses imagery from the poem, and quotes it directly: "I'm half sick of shadows".
• The ballad is also referenced in the song "If I Die Young" by American country band The Band Perry, in the video Kimberley Perry is shown mimicking the Lady of Shallot and holding a book of Tennyson poetry. The video ends showing the book opened up to "The Lady of Shalott".
• Popular folk duo the Indigo Girls reference the Lady of Shalott in the song "Left Me a Fool". Lamenting the lack of depth and substance she finds when getting to know a beautiful lover, the singer sings "you remind me of Shalott, only made of shadows, even though you're not."
• Dutch gothic metal band Autumn also reference the Lady of Shalott in the song "Who Has Seen Her Wave Her Hand" from their 2002 album When Lust Evokes the Curse.
• French composer Olivier Messiaen wrote a piece for solo piano La dame de Shalotte in 1917 based on Tennyson's poem.
• Composer Jon Parr Vijinski wrote a symphonic tone poem entitled "The Lady of Shalott" (2001). His use of thematic material, complex harmonies, and rich orchestral colour seek to link the story to its mediaeval source, and the spirit of chivalry - such as de Troyes, von Eschenbach and Malory.