Composer

:

Robert Johnson

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Lute Song

Compose Date

:

1611

Average_duration

:

1:57

"Full Fathom Five" is a song composed by Robert Johnson, an English composer and lutenist, in the early 17th century. The song was first performed in 1610 as part of William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" and was later published in Johnson's collection of songs, "The First Book of Ayres," in 1605. The song is a setting of Ariel's song from Act I, Scene 2 of "The Tempest," in which the spirit Ariel sings a mournful song about the death of Ferdinand's father, King Alonso. The lyrics of the song describe the king's body lying at the bottom of the sea, covered in coral and pearls, and surrounded by sea creatures. "Full Fathom Five" is a lute song, which means that it is accompanied by a lute rather than a full orchestra. The song is composed in the key of G major and has a slow, mournful tempo. It is divided into two sections, each of which is repeated. The first section is in a minor key and features a descending melody that emphasizes the melancholy mood of the lyrics. The second section is in a major key and has a more uplifting melody that suggests the hope of resurrection. The song's most distinctive feature is its use of word painting, a technique in which the music reflects the meaning of the lyrics. For example, the descending melody in the first section of the song mirrors the image of the king's body sinking to the bottom of the sea, while the rising melody in the second section reflects the idea of resurrection. "Full Fathom Five" is a prime example of the English lute song, a genre that was popular in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. These songs were typically composed for solo voice and lute accompaniment and were characterized by their expressive melodies, intricate harmonies, and use of word painting. Johnson was one of the most prominent composers of lute songs during this period, and his works were widely admired for their beauty and emotional depth. In conclusion, "Full Fathom Five" is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the melancholy mood of Shakespeare's "The Tempest." Its expressive melody, intricate harmonies, and use of word painting make it a masterpiece of the English lute song genre.

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