Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1597

Publication Date

:

1597

Average_duration

:

3:27

John Dowland's "If my complaints could passions move" is a lute song that was composed in the late 16th century. The exact date of composition is unknown, but it is believed to have been written sometime between 1590 and 1600. The song was first published in Dowland's "The Second Booke of Songs or Ayres" in 1600. The song is composed of four movements, each with its own distinct characteristics. The first movement is slow and melancholic, with a mournful melody that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more playful melody. The third movement is slower and more introspective, with a haunting melody that is both beautiful and sad. The final movement is the most dramatic of the four, with a powerful melody that builds to a climactic finish. The lyrics of the song are a lamentation of unrequited love, with the speaker expressing his desire for his beloved to reciprocate his feelings. The words are filled with passion and longing, and the music perfectly captures the emotional intensity of the lyrics. Overall, "If my complaints could passions move" is a beautiful and moving piece of music that showcases Dowland's skill as a composer and his ability to capture the complex emotions of the human experience. It remains a beloved piece of music to this day, and is often performed by both classical and contemporary musicians.

More....