Composer

:

Alfonso Ferrabosco

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:37

"Why Stays the Bridegroom" is a choral work composed by Alfonso Ferrabosco in the late 16th century. The piece was likely composed in the 1590s, during Ferrabosco's time as a musician in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. It is a setting of a text from the Gospel of Matthew, in which Jesus tells a parable about ten virgins waiting for a bridegroom to arrive. The piece is divided into five movements, each of which sets a different section of the text. The first movement begins with a solo voice singing the words "Why stays the bridegroom?" before the full choir enters with a rich, harmonized setting of the text. The second movement features a more lively and rhythmic setting of the text, with the choir singing in a call-and-response style. The third movement is a slower, more contemplative setting of the text, with the choir singing in a homophonic texture. The fourth movement features a solo voice singing the words "Watch therefore," before the choir enters with a more complex and contrapuntal setting of the text. The final movement is a joyful and celebratory setting of the text, with the choir singing in a lively and rhythmic style. One of the most notable characteristics of "Why Stays the Bridegroom" is its use of harmony. Ferrabosco was known for his skill in writing complex and richly harmonized choral music, and this piece is no exception. The piece also features a variety of textures, from the homophonic setting of the third movement to the contrapuntal setting of the fourth movement. The use of solo voices in some of the movements also adds variety and interest to the piece. "Why Stays the Bridegroom" was likely premiered at one of the many musical events held at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Ferrabosco was a highly respected musician in his time, and his works were often performed at court and in other prestigious settings. The piece remains a popular choral work today, and is often performed by choirs around the world.

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