Composer

:

John Dowland

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Galliard

Average_duration

:

1:58

"Can she excuse, P 42" is a lute song composed by John Dowland, a prominent English Renaissance composer and lutenist. The song was composed in the late 16th century and was first published in Dowland's collection of lute songs, "The First Booke of Songes or Ayres" in 1597. The song is in the key of G major and consists of four verses, each with a refrain. The melody is simple and elegant, with a gentle and melancholic character that is typical of Dowland's style. The lyrics are written in the form of a dialogue between a man and a woman, with the man asking the woman if she can excuse his love for her, despite her rejection of his advances. The song is divided into two main sections, each with its own distinct character. The first section is in a slow and melancholic tempo, with the lute providing a gentle accompaniment to the voice. The second section is more lively and rhythmic, with the lute playing a more prominent role in the accompaniment. "Can she excuse, P 42" is a prime example of Dowland's skill in combining melody and text to create a powerful emotional effect. The song is characterized by its simple yet elegant melody, its melancholic character, and its poignant lyrics. It remains one of Dowland's most popular and enduring works, and is still performed and recorded by musicians today.

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