The result of years of study, teaching and performance, and informed throughout by the author's love of poetry, Nicola Harrison invites the reader to think more expansively about the way they approach and sing English Song. Her work is unique, refreshing, and is certain to change the way singers perform and experience these classic songs. She examines the poetry and lyrics of their songs, taking into account the context in which the words were written - the symbolism, mythologies, religion, philosophy, and the many other influences on the writer - digging deep into the text with fascinating results. Her exploration of English Song is entertaining, witty and illuminating, exploring the magical relationship of words and music, and the way each separate art is painted by the other. 'In nearly all art songs the composer sets an already existing poem, rather than adding words to an existing tune. That is, the poem is his starting point and therefore should also be the starting point for the singer.... I have spent the last fifty years trying to persuade singers to start by learning the words rather than the music, and this fascinating book will be invaluable in helping them understand the full meaning of the poems and their dynamic relationship with the music.' From the Foreword by Michael Pilkington