Composer

:

John Danyel

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

0:47

"What thing is love?" is a song composed by John Danyel, an English lutenist and composer who lived during the Renaissance period. The song was composed in the early 17th century and was first published in 1606 in a collection of lute songs titled "Songs for the Lute, Viol, and Voice." The song is a part of the English lute song tradition, which was popular during the Renaissance period. It is a solo song for voice and lute, and it consists of four movements. The first movement is an introduction, followed by three verses, each with its own unique melody and lyrics. The lyrics of the song explore the theme of love and its many facets. The first verse asks the question, "What thing is love?" and goes on to describe it as a "heavenly power" that can bring both joy and pain. The second verse describes love as a "flame" that can consume the heart, while the third verse speaks of love as a "sweet poison" that can be both delightful and deadly. The music of "What thing is love?" is characterized by its intricate lute accompaniment and its expressive vocal melody. The lute part is highly ornamented and features many intricate runs and arpeggios, while the vocal melody is full of expressive leaps and turns. Overall, "What thing is love?" is a beautiful example of the English lute song tradition and a testament to John Danyel's skill as a composer. Its timeless theme and expressive music continue to captivate audiences today, making it a beloved piece of Renaissance music.

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