Composer

:

Thomas Morley

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Fantasy

Compose Date

:

before 1619

Publication Date

:

1619

Average_duration

:

1:45

"La Girondola" is a madrigal composed by Thomas Morley, an English composer, in the late 16th century. The piece was first published in 1595 in Morley's collection of madrigals, "The First Booke of Balletts to Five Voyces." The madrigal is written for five voices, with the text in Italian. The piece is divided into three movements, with each movement having a distinct character and mood. The first movement is marked "Allegro," and it is a lively and energetic dance. The second movement is marked "Adagio," and it is a slower and more contemplative section. The final movement is marked "Allegro," and it returns to the lively and energetic character of the first movement. The text of "La Girondola" is a love poem, with the speaker expressing his desire to be with his beloved. The music reflects the emotions of the text, with the lively and energetic sections expressing the speaker's excitement and the slower sections reflecting his longing and contemplation. Morley's use of Italian text and musical style was influenced by the popularity of Italian madrigals in England during the late 16th century. "La Girondola" is an example of the English madrigal style, which combined Italian musical techniques with English text and musical traditions. Overall, "La Girondola" is a charming and expressive madrigal that showcases Morley's skill as a composer. Its lively dance sections and contemplative moments make it a delightful piece to listen to and perform.

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