Composer

:

John Hilton

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Average_duration

:

2:06

"Fair Oriana, beauty's Queen" is a collection of 25 madrigals composed by John Hilton in the early 17th century. The collection was published in 1601 and was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I, who was often referred to as "Oriana" in literature and music of the time. The madrigals in "Fair Oriana" are written for five voices and are characterized by their lively rhythms, intricate harmonies, and expressive melodies. The collection is divided into five sections, each containing five madrigals, and each section ends with a refrain praising Oriana's beauty and virtue. The first section of "Fair Oriana" features madrigals that are relatively simple and straightforward, with clear melodies and harmonies. The second section is more complex, with intricate counterpoint and chromatic harmonies. The third section features madrigals that are more expressive and emotional, with frequent use of dissonance and chromaticism. The fourth section of "Fair Oriana" is perhaps the most famous, featuring the madrigal "Fair Oriana, Seeming to Wound," which is a tour de force of word-painting and musical expression. The madrigal describes Oriana's beauty as a weapon that wounds the hearts of all who behold her, and the music vividly captures the sense of longing and desire that the text evokes. The final section of "Fair Oriana" features madrigals that are more lighthearted and playful, with lively rhythms and catchy melodies. The collection ends with a final refrain praising Oriana's beauty and virtue, and expressing the hope that she will continue to reign as queen for many years to come. Overall, "Fair Oriana, beauty's Queen" is a masterful collection of madrigals that showcases John Hilton's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the spirit of the Elizabethan era. The collection remains popular among choral groups and early music enthusiasts to this day, and is a testament to the enduring legacy of Queen Elizabeth I and her impact on the arts and culture of her time.

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