Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Vocal

Compose Date

:

1600

Publication Date

:

1600

Average_duration

:

2:06

John Dowland's "White as lilies was her face" is a song from his Second Book of Songs, which was published in 1600. The song is a melancholic lute song that is characterized by its slow tempo, expressive melody, and poignant lyrics. The song is in the key of G minor and is written in a simple, homophonic style. The premiere of the Second Book of Songs is not known, but it was likely performed in private homes or at courtly gatherings. The book contains 22 songs, all of which are for voice and lute. The songs are divided into two sections: the first section contains songs about love and the second section contains songs about death and mourning. "White as lilies was her face" is the ninth song in the Second Book of Songs. The song has three verses, each of which is preceded by a short instrumental introduction. The melody is simple and repetitive, with a descending chromatic line that emphasizes the melancholic mood of the song. The lute accompaniment is also simple, with a repeating pattern that supports the vocal line. The lyrics of the song describe the beauty of a woman who has died. The speaker laments her passing and compares her to various natural elements, such as snow, roses, and pearls. The final verse of the song is particularly poignant, as the speaker imagines the woman's soul ascending to heaven. Overall, "White as lilies was her face" is a beautiful and haunting song that showcases Dowland's skill as a composer of lute songs. The song's melancholic mood and expressive melody make it a favorite among performers and listeners alike.

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