Composer

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Pelham Humfrey

Average_duration

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3:38

Pelham Humfrey was an English composer of the Baroque era, born in 1647. He was a chorister at the Chapel Royal and later became a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal. He composed a number of works, including anthems, odes, and songs. One of his most famous works is the song "O Love, if e'er thou'lt ease a heart." The song was composed in the mid-1670s and was first performed at the court of Charles II. It is a solo song for a high voice, accompanied by a basso continuo. The song is in three movements, with the first and third movements in common time and the second movement in triple time. The first movement begins with a slow, mournful introduction, with the voice singing "O Love, if e'er thou'lt ease a heart." The melody is simple and plaintive, with the voice rising and falling in a gentle, flowing rhythm. The basso continuo provides a simple, steady accompaniment, with a repeating pattern of chords. The second movement is more lively, with the voice singing "But if thy cruel dart, too deeply wound my heart." The melody is more complex, with the voice leaping and dancing over the basso continuo. The rhythm is in triple time, giving the movement a light, airy feel. The third movement returns to the mournful tone of the first movement, with the voice singing "Then let thy power be shown, and heal the wound thine own." The melody is similar to the first movement, with the voice rising and falling in a gentle, flowing rhythm. The basso continuo provides a simple, steady accompaniment, with a repeating pattern of chords. Overall, "O Love, if e'er thou'lt ease a heart" is a beautiful and poignant song, with a simple yet powerful melody and a heartfelt message. It showcases Humfrey's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both moving and memorable.

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