Composer

:

John Danyel

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

2:45

'Drop Not, Mine Eyes' is a beautiful and melancholic song composed by John Danyel, an English lutenist and composer of the Renaissance era. The song was composed in the early 17th century, around 1603-1604, and was first published in his collection of songs titled 'Songs for the Lute, Viol, and Voice' in 1606. The song is written in a single movement and is characterized by its slow and mournful melody. The lyrics of the song are a lamentation of lost love and the pain of separation. The opening lines of the song, "Drop not, mine eyes, for shame, / Nor wash away my sorrow," set the tone for the rest of the piece. The melody of the song is simple and repetitive, with a descending chromatic line that adds to the melancholic mood of the piece. The lute accompaniment is also simple, with a gentle arpeggio pattern that supports the vocal line. One of the most striking features of the song is its use of word painting. The lyrics are full of vivid imagery that is reflected in the music. For example, the line "My love is dead and gone" is accompanied by a descending melody that seems to sink into despair. Similarly, the line "My heart is full of woe" is set to a mournful melody that captures the pain and sadness of the speaker. Overall, 'Drop Not, Mine Eyes' is a beautiful and poignant song that captures the essence of Renaissance melancholy. Its simple melody and evocative lyrics make it a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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