Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song

Compose Date

:

1612

Publication Date

:

1612

Average_duration

:

3:37

"Sweet stay awhile, why will you rise?" is a lute song composed by John Dowland, one of the most famous English composers of the Renaissance era. The song was composed in the early 17th century and was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, "The Third and Last Booke of Songs or Aires" in 1603. The song is written in the key of G major and consists of four verses, each with a refrain. The melody is simple and elegant, with a gentle, flowing rhythm that perfectly captures the melancholic mood of the lyrics. The song is characterized by its use of chromaticism, which adds a sense of tension and longing to the melody. The lyrics of "Sweet stay awhile, why will you rise?" are a lament for the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of loss. The speaker implores his lover to stay with him a little longer, to delay the inevitable parting that he knows must come. The refrain, "Sweet stay awhile, why will you rise?" is a poignant reminder of the transience of all things, and the bittersweet beauty of the moment. The song is divided into four movements, each with its own unique character and mood. The first movement is slow and introspective, with a mournful melody that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The second movement is more lively and upbeat, with a faster tempo and a more optimistic melody. The third movement is slower and more contemplative, with a haunting melody that captures the sense of loss and longing expressed in the lyrics. The final movement is a reprise of the first, with a return to the mournful melody and a sense of finality and resignation. Overall, "Sweet stay awhile, why will you rise?" is a beautiful and poignant example of Dowland's mastery of the lute song form. Its simple yet elegant melody and melancholic lyrics capture the essence of the Renaissance era, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless beauty.

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