Composer

:

Orlando Gibbons

Genre

:

Vocal

Publication Date

:

1612

"How art thou thrald" is a choral work composed by Orlando Gibbons, an English composer of the Renaissance era. The piece was composed in the early 17th century, and it is believed to have been premiered in the Chapel Royal at Whitehall Palace in London. The work is a five-part choral composition, with the text taken from a poem by Sir Philip Sidney. The poem is a lament for the loss of freedom, and Gibbons' setting of the text captures the melancholic mood of the poem perfectly. The piece is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive use of dissonance. The first movement of the piece is a slow and mournful setting of the opening lines of the poem. The music is characterized by its use of suspensions and dissonances, which create a sense of tension and unease. The second movement is more lively and rhythmic, with a faster tempo and a more upbeat melody. This movement is a contrast to the first, and it serves to lighten the mood of the piece. The third movement is a return to the slower, more mournful mood of the opening. This movement is characterized by its use of chromaticism, which adds to the sense of melancholy and longing in the music. The fourth movement is a lively and rhythmic setting of the middle section of the poem. This movement is characterized by its use of syncopation and lively rhythms, which create a sense of energy and excitement. The final movement of the piece is a return to the slow and mournful mood of the opening. This movement is characterized by its use of rich harmonies and expressive dissonances, which create a sense of sadness and longing. The piece ends with a final chord that is unresolved, leaving the listener with a sense of uncertainty and longing. Overall, "How art thou thrald" is a beautiful and expressive choral work that captures the melancholic mood of Sir Philip Sidney's poem perfectly. Gibbons' use of rich harmonies, intricate counterpoint, and expressive dissonances make this piece a masterpiece of the Renaissance era.

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