Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1600

Publication Date

:

1600

Average_duration

:

1:26

'Die not before thy day' is a lute song composed by John Dowland, a prominent English Renaissance composer and lutenist. The song was likely composed in the early 17th century, although the exact date is unknown. It was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, "A Pilgrimes Solace," which was printed in 1612. The song is in three movements, with the first and third being in a minor key and the second in a major key. The first movement is slow and mournful, with a descending melody that reflects the melancholic lyrics. The second movement is more upbeat and features a lively dance-like rhythm. The final movement returns to the somber mood of the first, with a slower tempo and a more complex harmonic structure. The lyrics of 'Die not before thy day' are a meditation on mortality and the inevitability of death. The opening lines, "Die not before thy day, / Death is a debt we all must pay," set the tone for the rest of the song. The lyrics go on to urge the listener to live a virtuous life and to prepare for death, which is portrayed as a natural and necessary part of the human experience. Musically, 'Die not before thy day' is characteristic of Dowland's style, which is known for its melancholic and introspective qualities. The song features intricate lute accompaniment and a vocal melody that is both expressive and restrained. The use of minor keys and dissonant harmonies adds to the overall sense of melancholy and introspection. Overall, 'Die not before thy day' is a poignant and introspective work that reflects Dowland's preoccupation with mortality and the transience of human life. Its haunting melody and melancholic lyrics have made it a popular piece among both performers and audiences, and it remains a testament to Dowland's enduring legacy as one of the greatest composers of the English Renaissance.

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