Composer

:

Thomas Morley

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

before 1595

Publication Date

:

1595

Average_duration

:

3:40

"Leave, alas, this tormenting" is a madrigal composed by Thomas Morley, an English composer, organist, and theorist of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the late 16th century, around 1595, and was first published in his collection of madrigals, "The Triumphs of Oriana" in 1601. The madrigal is written for five voices, with the text in English. It is a lamentation of unrequited love, with the speaker begging their beloved to release them from their torment. The piece is in a minor key, which adds to the melancholic and sorrowful mood of the text. The piece is divided into three movements, with each movement featuring different combinations of voices. The first movement begins with a solo soprano voice, followed by the other voices joining in one by one. The second movement features a duet between the alto and tenor voices, with the other voices providing a harmonic background. The final movement is a four-part harmony, with all voices singing together. The characteristics of Morley's madrigal style are evident in "Leave, alas, this tormenting." The piece features a clear and concise melody, with each voice part contributing to the overall texture. The use of dissonance and chromaticism adds to the emotional intensity of the piece. The madrigal also features word painting, with the music reflecting the meaning of the text. For example, the use of descending chromatic lines in the final movement reflects the speaker's plea for release from their torment. Overall, "Leave, alas, this tormenting" is a beautiful example of Morley's skill as a composer of madrigals. The piece showcases his ability to create expressive and emotional music that reflects the text and engages the listener.

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