Composer

:

Thomas Morley

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Lute Song

Compose Date

:

before 1600

Publication Date

:

1600

Average_duration

:

3:00

"It was a lover and his lass" is a popular English madrigal composed by Thomas Morley in the late 16th century. The piece was first published in 1595 in Morley's collection of madrigals, "The First Book of Ballets to Five Voices." The madrigal is written in five parts, with the melody carried by the soprano voice. The text is taken from Shakespeare's play "As You Like It" and tells the story of a young man and his lover enjoying the pleasures of the countryside. The music is light and playful, with a lively rhythm and cheerful harmonies that reflect the joy and carefree nature of the lyrics. The piece is divided into three distinct sections, each with its own character and mood. The first section is marked by a lively dance-like rhythm and a bright, major key. The second section is slower and more contemplative, with a more complex harmonic structure that reflects the melancholy of the text. The final section returns to the lively, dance-like character of the opening, bringing the piece to a joyful and exuberant conclusion. "It was a lover and his lass" is a prime example of the English madrigal style, which was popular in the late Renaissance period. The style is characterized by its use of secular texts, lively rhythms, and complex harmonies. The madrigal was a popular form of entertainment in the courts and households of the wealthy, and Morley was one of the most prominent composers of the genre. Overall, "It was a lover and his lass" is a charming and delightful piece of music that captures the spirit of the Renaissance era. Its lively rhythms and cheerful harmonies make it a favorite of choral groups and audiences alike, and it remains a beloved part of the English madrigal repertoire to this day.

More....