Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

before 1603

Publication Date

:

1603

Average_duration

:

1:45

"When Phoebus first did Daphne love" is a lute song composed by John Dowland, a prominent English Renaissance composer and lutenist. The song was composed in the late 16th century and was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, "The First Booke of Songes or Ayres" in 1597. The song is in the key of G major and is written in a simple triple meter. It consists of four verses, each with a refrain, and is performed with a lute accompaniment. The lyrics describe the story of Phoebus, the Greek god of the sun, who falls in love with Daphne, a nymph who is transformed into a laurel tree to escape his advances. The first movement of the song begins with a gentle and flowing lute introduction, setting the mood for the romantic and pastoral lyrics that follow. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a gentle rise and fall that reflects the natural beauty of the story. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with a faster tempo and a more complex lute accompaniment. This movement reflects the excitement and passion of Phoebus as he pursues Daphne. The third movement is slower and more contemplative, with a more melancholic melody that reflects the sadness and despair of Phoebus as he realizes that Daphne will never return his love. The final movement returns to the gentle and flowing melody of the first movement, with a sense of resolution and acceptance. Overall, "When Phoebus first did Daphne love" is a beautiful and evocative lute song that captures the essence of the Renaissance era. Its simple yet elegant melody and pastoral lyrics make it a timeless classic that continues to be performed and enjoyed by musicians and audiences around the world.

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