Composer

:

Thomas Ford

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

1:59

Thomas Ford's "Faire Sweet Cruell" is a composition for four voices and instruments that was composed in the early 17th century. The piece was likely composed in the years leading up to 1613, as it was published in that year in a collection of music entitled "Musicke of Sundrie Kindes." The premiere of the piece is unknown, but it was likely performed in private settings such as courtly gatherings or domestic music-making. The piece is comprised of four movements, each of which features a different combination of voices and instruments. The first movement is a duet for two voices and lute, while the second movement is a trio for three voices and viol. The third movement is a quartet for four voices and viol, and the final movement is a duet for two voices and viol. The characteristics of "Faire Sweet Cruell" reflect the musical style of the early 17th century. The piece is written in a polyphonic style, with each voice part contributing to the overall texture of the music. The use of instruments such as the lute and viol adds a rich, sonorous quality to the music, while the vocal parts are characterized by their expressive melodies and intricate harmonies. The text of "Faire Sweet Cruell" is a love poem that explores the paradoxical nature of love. The poem describes the beloved as both fair and cruel, and the speaker expresses his desire to be both loved and tormented by her. The music reflects the emotional complexity of the text, with moments of tenderness and longing juxtaposed with passages of intense passion and pain. Overall, "Faire Sweet Cruell" is a beautiful example of early 17th-century music, characterized by its rich harmonies, expressive melodies, and intricate polyphonic textures. The piece remains a beloved work in the repertoire of early music, and continues to be performed and enjoyed by musicians and audiences alike.

More....