Composer

:

Thomas Morley

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Part Song

Compose Date

:

before 1593

Publication Date

:

1593

Average_duration

:

1:11

"Though Philomela lost hir love" is a madrigal composed by Thomas Morley, an English composer, in the late 16th century. The piece was first published in 1595 in Morley's collection of madrigals, "The Triumphs of Oriana." The premiere of the piece is unknown, but it was likely performed in private settings for small groups of musicians and patrons. The madrigal is written for five voices, with the text taken from a poem by Sir Philip Sidney. The poem tells the story of Philomela, a mythological figure who was raped and had her tongue cut out by her brother-in-law. Despite this trauma, she is able to communicate her story through weaving and singing. The text of the madrigal reflects on Philomela's loss of love and her ability to express herself through music. The piece is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement is slow and mournful, with the voices weaving in and out of each other to create a sense of longing and sadness. The second movement is more lively, with a faster tempo and a more rhythmic feel. The voices are more independent in this section, with each part taking turns leading the melody. The final movement returns to the slower tempo of the first, with the voices coming together in a final expression of grief and loss. The madrigal is characterized by its use of word painting, a technique in which the music reflects the meaning of the text. For example, in the first movement, the voices rise and fall in a way that mimics the weaving of Philomela's tapestry. The use of dissonance and chromaticism also adds to the emotional intensity of the piece, creating a sense of tension and release. Overall, "Though Philomela lost hir love" is a powerful example of the madrigal form, showcasing Morley's skill as a composer and his ability to convey complex emotions through music.

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